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Too expensive for you to get online? LA County wants to know
Many Angelenos don't have internet access at home
(
Ashley Balderrama
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Los Angeles County wants to better understand how people use the internet and the challenges they face getting online. It's asking residents to fill out a quick anonymous survey. The responses will allow the county to tailor its services and support programs to help close L.A.’s digital divide.
Why it matters: More than 140,000 households in L.A. County don’t have internet at home, according to U.S. Census data. But officials say the issue runs deeper: Not all residents own fully functioning computers, and some people have to share their devices with family members. Many others rely on computers and Wi-Fi connections provided by schools, employers or at public libraries. L.A. County has been working to expand internet access through its Delete the Divide initiative.
Why now: The digital divide may have been getting worse; it's been almost a year since millions of low-income Californians lost a monthly federal discount on their home Wi-Fi bill. Officials say the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program has likely resulted in fewer households being connected to fast, reliable internet.
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How to help: The survey can be found here: bit.ly/LACountyInternetuse.
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