NH State Digital Equity Survey Glossary

Accessibility means that people with different abilities have an equal opportunity to the physical tools and virtual environments needed to acquire the same information, visit the same places, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as persons without different abilities.

Affordability means the ability to pay the cost of connecting to high-speed, reliable Internet.

Digital equity is the condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology (IT) capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.

Digital literacy means the necessary skills associated with using technology to enable people to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information.

Devices are types of equipment that can be used to connect to the internet. Examples include desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, netbook computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, and smartphones.

Accessible/Adapted device means a computing device that is designed to be used by an individual with a disability. For example, a person who is blind may use a braille keyboard device to read text on the screen.

Skills training means any online or in-person opportunity to learn new skills or build knowledge about the internet or how to use it.

Broadband means a high-bandwidth connection to the Internet at your home by using a cable (fiber or coaxial) connected to an Internet service provider such as Spectrum, AT+T, Frontier, etc.

Cyber security means everything you do to make sure your devices and information are safe and secure.

Household means all the people who live in your home, apartment, or dwelling.

Cell phone data plan is a way to get Internet access without wires or cables. It uses cellular towers or a cell phone provider. It can provide the Internet to phones, computers and other devices.

Cable Internet service is a way to connect your home to the internet. It uses a TV or coaxial cable.

Fiber optic Internet service is a way to connect your home to the Internet. It uses a cable that holds strands of glass fibers to provide service.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a way to connect your home to the Internet. It uses a telephone wall jack and a telephone line. It allows phone calls to be made while the Internet is being used.

Fixed wireless Internet service is a way to connect your home to the Internet. It uses a dish at your home to point to a local tower that provides service.

Satellite Internet service is a way to connect your home to the internet. It uses a satellite dish at your home that points to satellites in space.