About

The internet is a fundamental element of our lives. From our economy to education, it provides us with access to opportunities and critical services. While residents in affluent areas have access to high-speed internet, Marin has neighborhoods where more than 40% of the families do not have it, and even fewer of those families have a computer.

Recent events underscore Marin’s need to eliminate internet access inequities and bridge the digital divide. Students need reliable home connections for distance learning. Families require online access to information and support services. Our businesses and growing tele-workforce demand more from the providers to remain competitive.

High speed internet has become the equivalent of water and electricity. Digital Marin is an effort to close the divide so all residents and businesses have fast, equitable, and affordable internet access and can take advantage of all on-line opportunities and services.

Digital equity refers to whether people can access and effectively use the technology necessary to participate in modern society. Another phrase, “digital inclusion,” denotes efforts to remedy deficits in digital equity. Simply put, digital equity is what cities and states want, and digital inclusion is the work they and their partners are doing to create it.

-- Zack Quaintance, The Quest for Digital Equity, Government Technology Magazine