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The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) is on a mission to bridge the digital divide in the territory. Led by Jaughna Nielsen-Bobbit, the Director of Digital Equity and Inclusion, viNGN is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to the benefits of digital connectivity.

Previously, viNGN played a pivotal role in enhancing high-speed internet access in the Virgin Islands. However, its new challenge is to go beyond internet access and ensure that all residents can fully utilize the digital resources available to them.

Nielsen-Bobbit emphasizes that in today’s world, no one should be left behind in the digital realm. She believes that cutting-edge technology can empower children’s learning, provide vital assistive devices for individuals with disabilities, and improve healthcare professionals’ ability to serve their patients.

Currently, many residents in the Virgin Islands have to seek digital opportunities elsewhere. Nielsen-Bobbit is determined to change this reality and believes that the people of the Virgin Islands deserve to be included in the digital world.

In her role as Director of Digital Equity and Inclusion, Nielsen-Bobbit is committed to charting a course toward digital equity based on input from the community and data-driven strategies. She wants to ensure that viNGN’s efforts have the most significant impact on the community’s digital needs.

Nielsen-Bobbit highlights the importance of digital inclusion and equal access to affordable high-speed internet. She believes that the internet is now a fundamental part of work, education, and daily life, and it’s crucial to develop digital skills necessary for a fulfilling life.

To gather feedback and insights from the community, viNGN has held a series of town hall meetings. These meetings have identified diverse needs, including faster internet speeds and improved connectivity between businesses and their customers. viNGN is actively managing federal grants, such as the million Digital Equity and Learning Grant (DEAL), in an effort to bridge the digital gap in the territory.

During the planning phase in 2023, viNGN will engage with stakeholders to understand the community’s technological needs. A digital equity plan will be developed and made available for public input. If the funds are released, viNGN will distribute subgrants to local organizations to enhance digital skills and literacy throughout the territory.

Nielsen-Bobbit affirms that viNGN is committed to reducing the cost of internet in the territory through federal grants and elevating the community to active participation in the digital world.

If residents have questions, want to learn more, or recommend partner agencies, they are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Overall, viNGN and Nielsen-Bobbit are working tirelessly to ensure that the digital future of the Virgin Islands is brighter and more inclusive than ever before.

Definitions:
– Digital divide: Refers to the gap between individuals or communities who have access to and can effectively use digital technologies, such as the internet, and those who do not.
– Digital equity: Refers to the efforts to ensure equal access to digital resources, tools, and opportunities for all individuals and communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

Sources:
– No URLs provided

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