We face complex and deep-rooted challenges to delivering Broadband for All. It will require partnerships with and support from the broadband industry and federal, local, and tribal governments. You may be developing a plan, carrying out that plan, or in the many stages in between. To help, we’ve gathered some tools as you work to expand broadband access and narrow the digital divide in your community.

Included here are:

• Resources and toolkits specific to broadband planning and implementation
• Digital inclusion plans, initiatives, and best practices
• Digital skills training tools

This collection is designed to help you plan for broadband deployment and all the other essential aspects of digital equity and inclusion. It will continue to evolve and grow. We invite you to browse and use these resources and encourage you to share yours.

Complete the contact form on the contact us page to share your plan.

California Local Jurisdiction Permitting Playbook

• California Local Jurisdiction Permitting Playbook
  California’s Broadband for All Action Plan directs the California Department of Technology (CDT) to explore actions to enhance permitting processes at all levels of government to support broadband deployment in the State. As part of this effort, CDT and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) created the Permitting Playbook to share best-practices, example policies and a checklist to streamline the process for deploying broadband regionally.

Resources and toolkits

• CPUC Resources for Broadband Projects
  The following resources may be useful for broadband projects, particularly those in the post-engineered construction phase including utility poles, permitting and right-of-way, and environmental compliance.
• Middle-Mile Broadband Network Coastal Zone Guidelines for Programmatic Permitting
  This document covers suggestions for planning, siting, designing, and constructing the MMBN in ways to conform to Coastal Act policies. It is anticipated that there will be a clear reflection of the selected MMBN project design, along with any necessary permit conditions, within standard and nonstandard special provision contract specifications for MMBN projects in the coastal zone.
• Tribal Resource Center
  About Us – We are a Native American-led organization that is dedicated to offering trustworthy guidance for tribal communities seeking greater access and benefits of broadband. We are a nonprofit, with no funding from vendors. Our vision is that Indian country develops the skills, connections, and knowledge to build and manage their own networks as broadly as possible. Key Standards and Best Practices for Broadband Construction
• NTIA: ArcGIS Pro Permitting and Environmental Information Tool (APPEIT) Project Package
  The ArcGIS Pro Permitting and Environmental Information Tool (APPEIT) Project Package includes all of the layers that are in the NTIA Permitting and Environmental Information Application as well as the APPEIT Tool which will allow users to input a project area and determine what layers from the application overlap with it. An overview of the project package and the APPEIT tool is provided below. User instructions on how to use the tool are available here. 
• NTIA: Local Permitting Importance, Challenges, and Strategies
  Local permitting for broadband deployments may include approvals, authorizations, easements, and right-of-way permits from towns, counties, and other municipal entities.  NTIA explains the importance of local permitting and offers strategies and examples of how project teams and local governments can address challenges and increase processing efficiency. 
• NTIA Technical Assistance Hub
  The NTIA technical assistance hub is designed as a one-stop shop for resources and tools in support of NTIA’s grant programs. The site allows you to filter programs by Technical Assistance Type and Funding.
• NTIA Best Management Practices (BMP) and Mitigation Measures
  This guide provides examples of best management (BMPs) and mitigation measures to help grant recipients (grantees) avoid or minimize potential impacts during construction, deployment, and operation of NTIA funded broadband projects.
• Permitting Best Practices: Case Studies
  Case studies and examples of streamlining permitting including Broadband Ready Communities, E-Permitting, and Rights-of-Way (ROW).
• Permitting Needs Assessment
  Checklist for four major permitting categories including ROW, Pole Attachments, Conduit Access, and Environment Planning/Historic Preservation.
• NEPA Review: Categorical Exclusions
  Guidance on NEPA analysis as it relates to categorical exclusions (CATEXs) including the definition, the CATEX review process, CATEX qualifications, and a link to the DOC CATEX list.
• National Environmental Policy Act Procedures and Categorical Exclusions
  Updated with 30 new categorical exclusions to take effect as of April 2, 2024.
• NEPA Review: Environmental Assessments
  Guidance on NEPA analysis as it relates to environmental assessments including the definition, preparation steps, best practices, and the review process.
• Getting Connected: A Resource Guide for Local and Regional Government Leaders
  Accelerating the deployment and adoption of broadband.
• Local Government Check List for Digital Equity
  Checklist for local government leaders to achieve digital equity
• Planning a Community Broadband Roadmap: A Toolkit for Local and Tribal Governments
  Digital inclusion and broadband adoption research, toolkits, and guides from NTIA and other Federal entities.
• NTIA Tribal Broadband Planning Toolkit
  Toolkit offers insights, interactive tools, and links to technical assistance resources for every stage of the broadband planning journey. 
• NDIA Digital Navigators
  The Digital Navigator Model guides community members in the digital inclusion process.
• Handbook on Infrastructure Deployment on Tribal Lands
  Handbook created by Native Nations Communications Take Force intended to bring awareness of the various steps involved in broadband deployment, whether wireless or wireline, including developing networks, forming partnerships, establishing sound regulatory policies and practices, and creating sustainable business models.
• The Digital Navigator Playbook
  Playbook by Digital US to ensure communities have technology skills and digital resilience to thrive in work and life
• The Lewis Latimer Plan for digital equity & inclusion
  National Urban League’s plan to close the digital divide – identifying five digital gaps that disproportionately affect communities of color and four goals to close those gaps.

Broadband planning and implementation

• City of Moorpark Broadband Strategic Plan
  Strategic plan to ensuring abundant broadband connectivity for municipal operations.
• City of Ventura Broadband and Fiber Master Plan
  Master Plan for a city-wide broadband network.

Digital inclusion

• County of Marin Strategic Plan
  Roadmap for a better digital future by creating leadership, governance, collaboration, and actions that advance broadband deployment and digital adoption.
• City of Chula Vista Digital Equity and Inclusion Plan
  Plan to ensure that all community members can participate fully in digital society.
• City of San Francisco Digital Equity Strategic Plan
  Plan that defines goals, strategies, and commitment for advancing digital equity over the next five years.
• City of San Francisco Digital Equity Playbook
  Aimed at agencies who serve vulnerable populations most at-risk of being digitally excluded.
• City of Long Beach Digital Inclusion Roadmap
  Vision statement, goals, objectives, and strategies to ensure that everyone in Long Beach has equitable access and computer literacy training.
• County of Los Angeles Free Broadband for the Residents
  Outlines options for closing the digital divide for thousands of LA County households by developing County-sponsored community wireless networks.

Digital skills training tools

• Digital Literacy Framework and Self-assessment Tool
  Developed by the California Emerging Technology Fund and based on UNESCO’s six elements of Digital Literacy. 
• California State Library’s eBooks & Audiobooks are now available
  Californians with email and internet access can now visit California’s Bookshelf to access over 300,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks. The platform, powered by the Palace Project, includes 3,500+ titles in various genres and languages. Users can borrow digital content instantly by creating a virtual library card with additional resources from local library collections.
• Fresno State Parent University
  Fresno State’s Parent University provides comprehensive courses and workshops to parents and community members throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Classes include Digital Literacy I and Digital Literacy II to equip parents to help their children succeed academically.