Digital Inclusion

The City of Madison Information Technology team works to improve internet access, digital skills, online services, digital accessibility, and language access so everyone can participate fully in our services. 

The Digital Divide

You may have seen examples of the digital divide in your own life:

• Someone can't replace a broken phone.
• A coworker struggles with new software.
• A member of the community can't access important information.
• An older neighbor can't make online medical appointments.
• A student's home has slow or no internet.
• A job seeker has never used video‑interview tools.

These situations all reflect the digital divide: the gap between people who have reliable devices, high‑speed internet, and the skills to use them—and those who do not. This gap affects access to healthcare, jobs, education, transportation, civic participation, and other essential services.

Our goal is to help close these gaps for City staff and residents so everyone in Madison can engage in their local government.

The Road to Digital Access: Digital Inclusion

Our Madison's Digital Inclusion Ecosystem

Each year, the City maps Madison's Digital Inclusion Ecosystem—the programs, partners, and resources working together to improve digital access. This includes:

• Low‑cost or free internet options
• Digital literacy and computer skills training
• Access to devices and technical support
• Community organizations offering digital services
• City initiatives that expand broadband and improve online tools

If your organization provides free or low‑cost internet, devices, or digital skills training, email digitalinclusion@cityofmadison.com to be added to our community resource list.

Programs & Initiatives  

Through the years, our City launched several efforts to support digital equity. While this list is not exhaustive, it represents our roadmap for digital inclusion.     

• Our online resource hub connects residents and City staff with things like workforce skills training, digital devices, Wi-Fi, digital literacy training and more
• The Digital Accessibility Project
• Digital Access and Inclusion in our IT Strategic Priorities
• City of Madison digital inclusion ecosystem mapping project
• City of Madison/Dane County Digital Inclusion Stakeholders Group
• IT's annual Digital Inclusion Efforts Report
• Lifeline program community engagement
• Madison Public Library digital literacy and computer skills training
• Our Benefits of Broadband Competition Report 
• DANEnet / Information Technology / Madison Public Library Computer Fix-It Clinics
• Fiber-to-the-Premises (FttP) collaborations

If your organization provides free or low‑cost internet, devices, or digital skills training, email digitalinclusion@cityofmadison.com to be added to our community resource list.

Low-Cost Home Internet Access

The Lifeline program offers discounts on phone, cell, and internet services for qualifying Wisconsin residents. For more information, visit the PSC Lifeline Program page.