Connect20 Summit

How digital navigators can help close the broadband adoption gap

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The Connect20 Summit Videos

November 14-15, 2023 | Washington, D.C.

In person or online attendees may access the videos free of charge.

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect the 20% of Americans who don’t subscribe to home broadband—and digital navigators are the key.

Here is the welcome video, and further videos are below.

FIRESIDE CHAT

Keynote speakers will discuss the importance of digital navigators and digital equity practitioners’ work to close the digital divide.

• Mario Salazar, Executive Director, Public Policy, Comcast 
• Juan Muro Jr., Executive Director, Free Geek

TOWN HALL CONVERSATION

Representatives from several agencies will provide an update on efforts within the government to expand broadband access and adoption and close the digital divide.

Federal Officials Agree: Infrastructure Alone Will Not Close the Digital Divide

Officials from broadband funding programs emphasized the important of non-deployment projects at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.

Broadband BreakfastJake Neenan

PANEL 1: CONNECTING THE HARDEST-TO-REACH AMERICANS

As policymakers consider digital inclusion solutions, understanding the barriers to the problem is important.

Connect20 Summit: Building Trust with Communities is Key to Adoption

Digital navigators spoke about their work at the Connect20 Summit in Washington.

Broadband BreakfastJake Neenan

PANEL 2: BUILDING SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL ADOPTION PROGRAMS THROUGH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS

With so much public funding available, how can local organizations work with their states and beyond to help secure public funding on all levels?

Connect20 Summit: Partnerships are Key for Digital Equity Efforts

State broadband offices should look to local organizations for digital equity efforts, panelists said.

Broadband BreakfastJake Neenan

PANEL 3: IMPROVING DIGITAL SKILLS

Digital adoption doesn’t go very far if users lack the ability to meaningfully engage with the online world.

Connect20 Summit: The Crucial Role of Digital Skills Training

Digital skills are a necessary foundation for workforce development, said panelists at the Nov. 14 event.

Broadband BreakfastBroadband Breakfast

PANEL 4: THE POWER OF NAVIGATION SERVICES

Navigation services are key to getting Americans online, and the data proves it.

Connect20 Summit: Data-Driven Approach Needed for Digital Navigation

The NTIA’s Internet Use Survey doesn’t delve deeply enough into why people choose not to adopt broadband.

Broadband BreakfastBroadband Breakfast

Defining Digital Navigators Short Talks