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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.
How to help: The survey can be found here: bit.ly/LACountyInternetuse.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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