Salt Lake City’s Digital Equity Policy addresses the digital divide in our community. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not. This digital divide disproportionately affects people of color, people with low incomes, people with disabilities, and older adults. The City aims to provide affordable internet access, devices, digital literacy training, technical support, and relevant online content to all residents. 

Digital Equity Policy

Salt Lake City’s Digital Equity Policy was adopted on September 1, 2020 to address the imbalances related to digital equity. The Salt Lake City Innovation Team manages the Mayor’s Digital Equity initiatives.

SLC defines Digital Equity as: Providing reasonable resources to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of information and communication technologies.

Salt Lake City is promoting digital equity with programs like City Connect, which offers public Wi-Fi in community spaces and SLC Computers for the Community Program, which gives surplus computers to low-income students and families

City Connect: Public Access Wi-Fi Locations

You can access free Wi-Fi from your car or a park bench at these locations.

SLC Computers for the Community Program

This program seeks to bridge the technology gap in underserved communities, increase digital literacy, improve student achievement, and reduce the City’s electronic waste output by donating the City’s surplus computers to the community.

Check out the SLC Computers for the Community Program page and for information on how to apply.

Electronic Recycling

Electronic waste, or e-waste, contains toxic compounds such as lead and mercury, and therefore should not be disposed of in your regular garbage containers. Salt Lake City’s Call 2 Haul Program will responsibility recycle old electronics.

For more information on Call 2 Haul click here.

Community & Digital Resources

A list of resources to help SLC families get and stay connected can be found here.

National Digital Inclusion Alliance

• Digital Inclusion Definitions
• Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans
• Asset Mapping for Digital Inclusion

National League of Cities

• Digital Equity Playbook: How City Leaders Can Bridge the Digital Divide

Census Bureau

• Access Broadband Dashboard

Salt Lake City

• Council Staff Report on Digital Equity Policy
• Digital Equity Policy
• Council Transmittal & PBA for Digital Donation Program
• Civic Engagement Guide