By Jessica Hernandez
Jessica Parker, with the Governor’s Office of Science Innovation and Technology (OSIT), joined the June 25 Lincoln Community Coalition meeting for an agency spotlight.
Parker detailed the NTIA Digital Equity Grants and State Digital Equity Capacity Grant while introducing the OSIT High Speed NV program.
The presentation explored concepts involved in Nevada’s plans for digital equity by 2029. Project goals include access to affordable, reliable, scalable high-speed internet, with a connected device and the digital skills and support each Nevadan will need to safely work, learn and thrive.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Digital Equity Grants are competitive grant programs with $1.25 billion set to fund annual grant programs for five years. The Native Entity Capacity Grant Program is also part of the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and includes funds for Native entities to address barriers to digital equity in their communities. Details for each program can be found by visiting https://www.ntia.gov/program/digital-equity-act-programs. Competitive grants are set to open in the upcoming summer and fall.
OSIT plans to launch the state digital equity capacity grant program later this year. The grant will focus on device access digital skills training and technical support initiatives. Parker shared during the presentation that OSIT will administer a Nevada state capacity grant with a sub-award program that includes pre-qualification and application processes. There will be no match requirements for the grant, although the reimbursement process has not been clarified. Parker wants organizations in Lincoln County to be aware that they can apply for both the capacity and competitive grants although each grant must be used to fund different projects.
Parker provided coalition participants with a map highlighting the Nevada Middle Mile and High Speed Nevada Phase One and Two. The Nevada Middle Mile Network is a 2,500-mile open-access, fiber optic network that aims to reach many unserved communities in Nevada. The network is part of the High Speed Nevada Initiative and will enhance connectivity for hundreds of unserved K-12 schools, libraries, state and local government facilities, and community anchor institutions. The network will significantly expand capacity between urban areas and rural regions across Nevada, and enhance last-mile networks to deliver high-speed Internet access. The project is estimated to improve internet access for over 40,000 residential locations. Over the next four years, over $900 million will be dedicated to broadband infrastructure and digital equity initiatives. To view the Nevada Middle Mile Network Map (HSNV Phases 1 & 2), visit