- LDEC
What We Do
Serving the Lowcountry
WHAT WE DO
Who is the LDEC and what do they do?
The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) is a regional strategic alliance representing a cross sector of businesses, governments, and other anchor institutions, dedicated to activities that ensure digital inclusion across the Charleston/North Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Currently, there are thirty-two active coalition members, who represent public and private educational, healthcare, philanthropic, governmental, and private sector industries in our region’s ecosystem.
Access
Ensure every household in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties has access to affordable broadband service, internet enabled devices, digital literacy training, and quality technical support.
Understanding
Collaborate with community organizations to provide digital literacy training opportunities for residents to gain technical skills necessary to be successful in employment, entrepreneurship, education, life-long learning, civil engagement, and use of essential online services.
Adoption
Provide digital navigation services for community members to assist with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support.
By Definition
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) defines the work of the LDEC as:
Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology.
Digital Equity
Digital Equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.
Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
LDEC Mission
The LDEC identifies, plans and promotes measurable ways for private and public community members to collectively prepare households, municipalities and business entities to adopt and utilize broadband in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties of South Carolina.
Vision: Our vision is a region where every individual has equal access to digital resources, skills, and opportunities, empowering them to thrive in the digital age.