DigitalEquityPHL is Philadelphia’s public-facing hub for the City’s work to close the digital divide. The City defines digital equity as access to reliable internet, suitable devices and the skills to use them; the program responds to barriers that include cost, outdated equipment and limited access to public Wi-Fi.1
The effort is led by the City’s Office of Innovation and Technology, whose Digital Equity team develops strategies with community members, advocates, local organizations, schools and healthcare institutions.35 Its framework is the City’s five-year Digital Equity Plan, released in February 2022. The plan sets four goals: affordable devices, affordable and reliable internet, digital skills for work and daily life, and stronger capacity and partnerships to sustain the work.58
DigitalEquityPHL brings together practical services and related initiatives. Residents can use it to find free or low-cost internet and devices, digital-skills classes, public computer centers and Digital Navigators. The wider portfolio includes PHLConnectED, the Digital Literacy Alliance, adult education and PHLDonateTech.512 The City’s plan also calls for community-based digital navigation, public computing centers, multilingual outreach and partnerships with public and private organizations.811
The City reported that its 2021 assessment found wired, in-home broadband in 84 percent of Philadelphia households, up from 70 percent in 2019, while more than 96,000 households still lacked home broadband.7 In 2025, Philadelphia was recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for work that included helping 834 residents get internet access and 718 obtain devices through PHLConnectED and the Digital Navigator Network.13 DigitalEquityPHL is therefore both an information resource and a coordinating platform for a broader citywide effort; the available sources do not identify a single individual as its founder.1512