PROGRESS
A Digital Inclusion Timeline
Postal Service Act
President George Washington signs the Postal Service Act into law to ensure reliable mailing of crucial information.
Telephone
The first telephone call was made.
Universal Service
AT&T promises to strive for universal telephone service to avoid a lawsuit with the US Government.
Computer
The first digital computer is designed.
Personal Computer
The first personal computer is made available to the public while the protocol for transmitting data over the internet is being produced.
Lifeline
The Lifeline program is established under the Reagan administration by the FCC to provide phone discounts for low-income households.
Connect Arizona
Connect Arizona is created by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Records.
EBB
In the wake of COVID-19, the FCC launches the short-term program Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), providing broadband internet discounts for low-income households impacted by the pandemic.
IIJA
On July 28, the Biden Administration announces the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which includes around $ 550B in new federal investment in America’s roads and bridges, water infrastructure, resilience, internet, and more.
ACP
The FCC rebrands EBB as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), now a long-term broadband discount available for anyone who qualifies.
BEAD Funds
Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment allocations announced. Arizona receives nearly $ 1B in funds toward digital equity.
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2023, the Digital Equity Plan for Arizona will be released!
PROGRESS
Use the arrows to navigate the information and technology inclusion timeline below.
Postal Service Act
President George Washington signs the Postal Service Act into law to ensure reliable mailing of crucial information.
Telephone
The first telephone call was made.
Universal Service
AT&T promises to strive for universal telephone service to avoid a lawsuit with the US Government.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission is established to regulate radio and wire communications and collect funds from telecommunication companies to establish universal service standards.
Computer
The first digital computer is designed.
Personal Computer
The first personal computer is made available to the public. The protocol for transmitting data over the internet is produced.
Lifeline
The Lifeline program is established under the Reagan administration by the FCC to provide phone discounts for low-income households.
USAC
The FCC forms the Universal Service Administration Company to collect and distribute the universal service fund.
NDIA
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (non-profit) is formed to advocate for accessible internet, devices, and technology education.
COVID-19
Statewide lockdowns begin to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Connect Arizona
Connect Arizona is created by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Records.
EBB
The FCC launches the short-term program Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), providing broadband internet discounts for low-income households impacted by the pandemic.
IIJA
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act dedicates $ 550B toward America’s roads and bridges, water infrastructure, resilience, internet, and more.
ACP
The FCC rebrands EBB as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), now a long-term broadband discount available for anyone who qualifies.
BEAD Funds
Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment allocations announced. Arizona receives nearly $ 1B in funds toward digital equity.
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2023, the Digital Equity Plan for Arizona will be released!