The governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the United States Department of Commerce granted access to $9,807,187 from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which will allow the implementation of the Puerto Rico Digital Equity Plan, developed by the Broadband program, better known as Smart Island. “With these funds, we are advancing our mission to ensure that all communities in Puerto Rico have access to digital tools that improve their quality of life and promote economic development. The Digital Equity Plan presented by the Smart Island program seeks, among other things, to promote digital equality. Its goal is to ensure that all communities can access and use reliable and affordable high-speed Internet to meet their needs and improve their lives. This is part of our vision of a digitally connected island, in which all sectors, from education to health, can benefit from technology,” said the chief executive. For her part, the executive director of the Smart Island program, Michelle Cabiya Zorrilla, explained that “this grant will allow us to develop digital literacy programs for key industries such as health, education, agriculture and government. This milestone ensures that essential workers, such as nurses, doctors, caregivers, teachers and more, acquire the skills needed to thrive in today's digital world, encouraging inclusion and empowering the Puerto Rican workforce.” Similarly, the Undersecretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and administrator of NTIA, Alan Davidson, said that “for the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan to promote the widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. These states, along with Puerto Rico, can now request access to funds to implement their digital equity plans. The Biden-Harris Administration's Internet for All initiative will ensure that everyone can thrive online through access to digital devices and skills.” The Digital Equity Plan, together with Puerto Rico's 5-year Strategic Plan presented by the Smart Island program, seeks, among other things, to promote digital equality. Digital equity efforts are key to ensuring that all residents have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in the digital world and fully participate in modern society. For additional details of the Puerto Rico Broadband Program, you can visit https https://www.smartisland.pr.gov.