Digital Inclusion - Boone EDC

Community development

Digital inclusion

Enhancing our communities by improving digital access.

To enhance the County’s economic and community vitality, the Boone EDC partnered with Duke Energy and Purdue University in late 2021 to explore opportunities to advance within digital inclusion. The compiled data is linked below.

Workforce Data

Small Business Data

Resident Data

Future Opportunities

What is Digital Inclusion?

Digital Inclusion is defined as the “ability of individuals and groups to access and use information and communication technologies (ICTs). This includes access to broadband.

Why It Matters

50% of all Boone County employers will need reskilling by 2025.
35% of workers ages 25-34 have no or limited digital skills in Boone County
78% of farmers have no choice in the internet service providers (ISP)
Workers with limited or no digital skills are slightly more likely to work for small businesses.
Reliable broadband access of 100/20 (megabytes per second) is limited throughout Boone County.

The Plan

Gathering benchmark data will provide Boone County with a better understanding of our gaps and current digital climate. We will gather data through speed tests and surveys targeted at primary employers, small businesses, and residents of Boone County.

View Full Plan