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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.
Sponsored message
How to help: The survey can be found here: bit.ly/LACountyInternetuse.
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Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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