Town of Orleans Digital Equity Plan
The Town of Orleans Digital Equity Plan outlines a roadmap to bridge the digital divide and ensure all residents have equitable access to high-speed internet, devices, and the digital skills needed for full participation in society. This plan was developed in partnership with the Cape Cod Commission and funded through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) as part of a statewide initiative to advance digital inclusion, especially in the wake of challenges highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Completed in 2025, the plan was created through a robust community engagement process and includes input from a wide range of stakeholders.
Key Findings
Orleans residents face unreliable internet, particularly during peak tourist seasons, and report limited competition among internet service providers (ISPs), leading to affordability and quality concerns. Residents reported confusion over service plans and a lack of support from service providers, with some relying on outdated devices like track phones. Community members expressed strong concerns about cybersecurity, online privacy, and scam prevention.
As identified through the Digital Equity Act of 2021, digital inequities disproportionately affect aging residents, low-income households, veterans, individuals with disabilities, people with language barriers, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and rural residents. Notable for the Town of Orleans is the median age of 63.2, one of the oldest towns in Barnstable County, and a median age that far exceeds the state (39.8) and the nation (38.5). Orleans also has high levels of seasonal housing (47%) and cost-burdened renters (56%), all of which impact digital access and service quality.
Nearly all households (97%) of households own at least one device, gaps persist in access to reliable, needs-appropriate devices such as those for work or school and in possessing the skills necessary to make the most of this connection.
Recommendations
The plan presents actionable recommendations across four pillars: connectivity, devices, digital skills, and community.
- Connectivity: Advocate for improved internet service, encourage competition, and enhance public Wi-Fi, particularly in critical community hubs such as the schools and the library.
- Devices: Improve on current and develop new public computing device offerings and expand hotspot lending programs. Explore partnerships with schools and repair services to extend device lifespans.
- Digital Skills and Literacy: Expand one-on-one tech support, offer intergenerational learning opportunities, and provide offerings to address internet skills and safety concerns.
- Community Outreach: Improve access and understandability of digital services, use multiple outreach methods (not just digital), and ensure services are designed with residents’ real needs in mind.
Implementation and Next Steps
The Town of Orleans has reserved funding to implement recommendations through MBI’s Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Grant Program. Ongoing evaluation, collaboration, and integration with regional efforts are crucial to success.
Community Engagement
The planning process emphasized community engagement, including surveys, stakeholder interviews, pop-up events, and a public workshop. Participants shared barriers related to connectivity, device access, digital literacy and safety, and outreach.
Orleans Community Workshop Presentation
The Plan
Appendix - Orleans Digital Equity Plan
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.
