Access & Affordability
Our Policy Positions
Affordable, reliable internet access and essential digital devices are critical for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive. Despite advancements in broadband infrastructure and affordable internet programs, high costs and insufficient access remain barriers, particularly for low-income LGBTQ+ individuals, many of whom rely on public spaces for connectivity. Safe environments like LGBTQ+ centers and libraries play an irreplaceable role, offering internet and devices to those who cannot afford or safely access them at home. Programs like LGBT Tech’s PowerOn initiative address digital access gaps by providing devices and resources to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals nationwide. High-speed internet access through improved infrastructure and equitable spectrum allocation ensures that LGBTQ+ individuals in rural and underserved areas can fully participate in the digital world.
LGBT Tech champions equitable access to internet connectivity and digital devices through programs like PowerOn and collaborations with policymakers. We advocate for increased funding, affordable broadband solutions, and strengthened community resources to reduce the digital divide and support LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing vital opportunities.
Expanding Broadband
Broadband connectivity is the foundation for accessing the services and opportunities essential to the LGBTQ+ community, including in healthcare, education, employment, and social connection. Reliable, high-speed internet is crucial for bridging gaps created by systemic discrimination and geographic isolation, yet many LGBTQ+ individuals face barriers such as affordability, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of digital skills. Expanding broadband access requires addressing these challenges holistically to ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can fully participate in the digital world.
LGBT Tech advocates for increased investments in broadband infrastructure, improved mapping to identify underserved areas and communities, and inclusive grant programs for marginalized populations. We support community-driven networks and digital inclusion initiatives that reduce costs, expand access, and address the unique connectivity needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in rural and urban areas alike.
Preventing Barriers to Deployment
Ecient broadband deployment is critical for ensuring equitable internet access, especially for marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ individuals. However, regulatory obstacles such as outdated policies on pole attachments, burdensome permitting processes, and delays in infrastructure upgrades can hinder progress. Modernizing these regulations is essential to streamline network deployment and ensure timely access to high-speed internet. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and funding incentives play a vital role in accelerating broadband expansion by fostering collaboration between industry leaders, government entities, and community organizations. Removing these barriers will enable faster deployment of advanced networks, bridging connectivity gaps for underserved areas and promoting digital equity.
LGBT Tech supports modernizing and streamlining broadband deployment policies, including streamlined regulations for pole attachments and network upgrades. We advocate for incentivizing public-private partnerships and funding mechanisms that prioritize underserved communities, ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals have access to reliable and affordable conn
Improving Spectrum Management
Ecient spectrum management is vital to supporting the wireless infrastructure that underpins reliable internet access. Spectrum - the radio frequencies that enable mobile internet and wireless communication - is crucial for ensuring high-quality connectivity, particularly as demand for broadband continues to grow. Increasing spectrum availability and reallocating underutilized spectrum can expand coverage and improve service, especially in rural and underserved areas. Balancing allocations across low, mid, and high-band spectrum ensures comprehensive connectivity, with low-band frequencies reaching remote areas and higher bands supporting urban density. Granting auction authority for spectrum resources helps accelerate deployment and drive innovation, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized communities benefit from enhanced wireless services.
LGBT Tech supports increasing spectrum availability through expanded access, thoughtful reallocation and exercise of auction authority to improve connectivity nationwide. We advocate for an equitable and thoughtful mix of spectrum allocation and policies that prioritize underserved areas, ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals have access to reliable wireless services and the opportunities they enable.
Funding Digital Inclusion
Sustainable funding for digital inclusion programs is essential to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to the tools and services LGBTQ+ individuals need to thrive. Programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative, Universal Service Fund (USF), and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) play critical roles in expanding broadband infrastructure, reducing costs, and increasing access for underserved populations. However, these programs require robust, sustained funding to prevent setbacks and ensure long-term impact. Comprehensive investment in digital inclusion fosters access to education, healthcare, and employment, particularly for marginalized communities.
LGBT Tech supports increased and sustained funding for digital inclusion initiatives. We advocate for prioritizing programs that address affordability, infrastructure gaps, and digital literacy, ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals and underserved communities have equitable access to vital online resources and opportunities.
