- Overview
- The Plan
- Submit Comments
Overview
Digital equity efforts seek to ensure everyone has the same access and opportunities to the information technology needed for full participation in society, democracy, and the economy. The focus is on bridging the affordability of internet service and devices, building skills to use programs and equipment, increasing trust, and overcoming language or other barriers that keep individuals from fully participating.
The Town of Barnstable worked with the Cape Cod Commission to develop a municipal digital equity plan. The plan assesses the digital divide in Barnstable and identifies opportunities to advance digital equity. It considers topics such as the availability and affordability of internet service, device access, online safety, and digital skills required for meaningful digital engagement. Developed through a robust community engagement process that sought to prioritize learning from members of the Barnstable community who are most impacted by the digital divide, the plan aims to prepare the town for forthcoming funding opportunities by providing recommendations to guide decision-making, investment, and implementation.
The draft plan was released on March 31, 2025 for a public comment period. Comments are being accepted through April 30, 2025. View the Submit Comments tab for details on how to submit a comment.
View the Draft Barnstable Digital Equity Plan
View plan development documents and information:
- Presentation: Barnstable Project Kickoff Meeting, August 15, 2024
- Meeting Handout
- Presentation: West Barnstable Community Workshop, November 12, 2024
“A condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.”
National Digital Inclusion Alliance
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Internet ConnectionAffordable, fast, reliable, accessible. |
DevicesAdequate, needs-appropriate, affordable, accessible. |
Literacy/SkillsAbility to use technology, functionality, trust, privacy concerns. |
This project was funded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. Funding was provided by Massachusetts ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Purpose of the Digital Equity Plan
Digital equity plans prepare municipalities for future funding opportunities. Through the digital equity planning process, towns can develop strategies in a community-driven framework to ensure all benefit from future investments.
Public input and participation are essential to this process, enabling the town to incorporate and reflect the community's vision when advancing future initiatives and projects.
Plan Elements
- Introduction & Town Vision for Digital Equity
- Current State of Digital Equity
Existing conditions, knowledge gaps, challenges, and opportunities - Stakeholder Engagement Process
Who was engaged and how were they engaged - Key Findings
What was discovered throughout the planning process - Implementation
Recommendations for driving solutions, evaluating progress, and funding opportunities
How to Submit Comments
Members of the public are invited to review the draft plan and provide comments. The draft plan can be found at cccom.link/barnstable-de.
Submit your comments by mail, facsimile, e-mail, or online by April 25, 2025, as follows:
Online at https://capecodcommission.org/DE-comments, or
- Mail: Cape Cod Commission Attn: Steven Tupper, Deputy Director
3225 Main Street (Route 6A) | PO Box 226
Barnstable MA 02630-0226 - Fax: 508-362-3136, attention of Steven Tupper, Deputy Director
- E-Mail: please put “Barnstable Digital Equity Plan” in the subject line and send to info@capecodcommission.org
Paper copies of the draft are available for view at the:
- Barnstable Adult Community Center, 825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis
- Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main Street, Hyannis
