As consumers, we all know that the internet makes us more productive and our lives easier. We can search for information in seconds. We can binge on our favorite shows for a rejuvenating break before refocusing on our tasks at hand.

The internet has become indispensable in our everyday life, both professionally and personally.

There are currently about 20 billion devices connected to the internet throughout the world, and this number is expected to double to more than 40 billion by 2034, according to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform that collects statistics from 22,500 sources in 170 industries. Statista data also shows that consumers account for 60% of all Internet of Things, or connected devices.

When Hawaii becomes the first state in the nation to be fully wired with fiber­-optic cable network by the end of next year, Hawaii consumers will likely contribute to raising the number of desktop computers, laptops, tablets and other internet-connected devices.

Already, by the end of this year, when Maui will be fully blanketed with an extensive fiber network, more than 465,000 homes and businesses are expected to be fiber enabled. By the end of 2026, when Oahu and Hawaii island are completed, an additional 75,000 single-family homes, multi-dwelling units, schools, government agencies and businesses will be able to access affordable and reliable high-speed internet service.

The fiber infrastructure in our state is a catalyst for positive social and economic change. It is the first step toward creating unlimited possibilities for island residents, regardless of where they may live. Doors to new opportunities will swing wide open for keiki to kupuna, providing more possibilities for remote learning, grassroots community mobilization efforts, telehealth, job creation and commerce.

Don’t miss out on what’s happening!

Although fiber enablement is a major milestone, it is just the first step toward breaking down barriers to digital equity in our state. As Hawaii begins its countdown to becoming fully fiber-enabled, there will be many opportunities to step forward to equip and empower everyone, in every county.

Increasing online access in our state is everyone’s responsibility. There are many aspects to making digital equity a reality in Hawaii:

>> There will be a need for internet-enabled devices. As a state, we must think of creative ways to put devices in the hands of those who may not be able to afford to buy their own desktop computers, laptops, tablets, phones or other devices.

>> There will be opportunities to provide specialized training to help children, grandparents and everyone in between gain basic computer skills, or to learn new shortcuts to communicate more effectively and stay connected with each other and what is happening around the globe.

In Hawaii, there will be a need for applications and services that are culturally sensitive and relevant to democratize access to the internet and make more users self-sufficient and able to meaningfully collaborate in online or virtual conversations to shape the future of our island home. Users will also need approachable technical support to resolve issues they encounter and to maintain their devices and connectivity.

>> A big component of skill-building is protecting privacy and enhancing security. As we become more connected, we also become more vulnerable to bad actors seeking to deploy their next diabolical scheme to defraud innocent victims. There will be a great need for organizations to provide cybersecurity training.

>> Fiber enablement will also help us identify and revisit policies that systemically have created obstacles keeping individuals and entire communities from being able to fully participate and gain online access.

Let’s start to create an environment to lift up everyone in our state and become a digital-forward community.

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Su Shin is president of Hawaiian Telcom and can be reached at su.shin@hawaiiantel.com.