California Seeks Public Comment On First-Ever ‘Digital Equity Plan’

An estimated 3.5 million Californians don’t have internet service due to limited infrastructure, affordability issues and other hurdles. That’s an issue for accessing everything from government services to online shopping.

The California Department of Technology issued a draft plan this week to narrow what’s known as the “digital divide.” The 200-page Digital Equity Plan is part of the Newsom administration’s $6 billion effort to ensure, among other things, residents have high-speed internet at home and in schools, libraries and businesses.

The department is asking for public comment, which will remain open till Jan. 25. You can leave it in this online form.

The plan identifies barriers for eight groups:

• low-income residents
• veterans
• incarcerated people
• members of a racial or ethnic minority group
• English-language learners
• people with disabilities
• older adults over 60
• people who live in rural areas

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The plan also identifies barriers for other “digitally disadvantaged communities,” including members of the LGBTQIA+ communities and people who identify as women. About 33.5 million California residents — or 85% of the state’s population — belong to one or more of these groups.

The state is also working to develop “meaningful partnerships” to increase connectivity in tribal communities while “respecting sovereignty, ownership and long-term economic sustainability.”

Affordability

Californians spend an average of $83.60 a month on broadband. But according to the state, some of the most vulnerable groups are paying more than the average cost.

Affordability remains the top barrier for about 61% of residents, according to a statewide telephone survey conducted with the CETFund and researchers from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

The state’s draft plan cites a lack of awareness of low-cost offers, mistrust of government and corporations, and a lack of consumer choice and competition among internet service providers.

While more Californians can access the internet and digital resources than ever before, only 62% of residents say their service is “reliable for their household needs,” according to the survey.

Trusted messengers

Most digital inclusion work happens at the regional and local levels through community-based organizations that are “trusted messengers” and can deliver programs and services with cultural sensitivity. The state’s plan lists more than 700 groups or contacts that offer funding and services ranging from digital literacy training to free devices and tech support.

Even if service is available, about 8% of households lack a computer or broadband subscription, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. About 23% of residents rely solely on mobile phones for service, and can’t afford devices like computers and tablets. Others lack the skills and technical familiarity due to the “rapid pace of change in technology,” including hardware and software.

The Department of Technology is inviting public comment until Jan. 25 and will publish a final version in the spring.