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.
ACP
The FCC rebrands EBB as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), now a long-term broadband discount available for anyone who qualifies.
PROGRESS
Use the arrows to navigate the 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.
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.
ACP
The FCC rebrands EBB as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), now a long-term broadband discount available for anyone who qualifies.
EVENTS
Check for Events Near You
Events Online
- Arizona Digital Inclusion Summit (CLICK HERE for more details.)
- Arizona Digital Inclusion Summit
- (CLICK HERE for more details.)