What is Digital Inclusion, and Why is it So Important?
We use technology and the internet daily to access new information, perform essential tasks, communicate with others, and seek new opportunities. Yet, in 2025, millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Arizonans still don’t have what they need to participate, succeed, and thrive online. The primary barriers are the broadband service cost and availability, but others might surprise you. Barriers that surfaced in a 2023 survey of all 15 Arizona counties included feeling intimidated by technology, lack of access to support services and basic computer skills instruction, poor internet service or data caps and lack of trust in the safety and security of the internet. 
Digital inclusion is a combination of intentional strategies and investments that work to reduce and eliminate these barriers. Digital inclusion is not merely a beneficial concept but a fundamental necessity. Today, using the internet and digital devices is crucial for every individual’s economic and educational advancement, health and well-being, social connections, and civic-community engagement. As more individuals access the vital resources necessary to adopt new technologies and develop the skills to use them effectively, the entire community becomes healthier, more prosperous, and better positioned for sustainable development and equitable growth.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance developed a definition for digital inclusion that has become the standard. It includes the following activities, which are ALL necessary to ensure individuals have access to and use of information and communication technologies:
- Affordable, robust broadband internet service;
- Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;
- Access to digital literacy training;
- Quality technical support; and
- Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.
Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), said, “Digital divide is the issue. Digital inclusion is the work. Digital equity is the goal.” The Arizona Digital Inclusion Network (ADIN) is working toward digital equity by fostering and supporting collaborations between Arizona organizations doing the work of digital inclusion across all five activities. Organizations like:
- Public libraries providing free public access to broadband and devices and digital navigators who can be reached by telephone to answer basic computer questions;
- Computer refurbishing organizations provide programs for low-cost or free devices accompanied by skills training;
- Government, nonprofit, and church-based initiatives providing basic computer skills training to older adults;Internet service providers who partner with local community organizations to support device access and digital navigator programs;Telemedicine organizations that ensure patients have access to the technology and training to meet their healthcare needs;Organizations that specialize in online safety education
Individually, these entities are doing fantastic work! ADIN envisions a statewide network of collaborations and cross-referrals to raise public awareness of digital inclusion resources and increase rates of digital connection and proficiency in Arizona. Investments in these collaborations will result in a resilient and more prosperous workforce, more robust economic development, and healthier, stronger communities.
Resources and Information
Definitions of terms used in digital inclusion work – National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Arizona Digital Equity Plan – March 2024
• List of digital inclusion assets throughout the state of Arizona (Section 3.1 – starts on page 46)
• County-by-county research into barriers facing Arizona residents (Section 3.2.4 starts on page 118)