Closing the Digital Divide in the Unincorporated Area

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING FOR BROADBAND

In San Diego County’s unincorporated areas, there are pockets where high-speed internet is unavailable, unreliable or unaffordable. The County is working to reduce the digital gap and has made available $9 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act for broadband infrastructure.

Through an appointed Broadband Committee, the County has selected projects submitted by Internet Service Providers to provide affordable broadband service to residents in three unincorporated areas:

• $4.7M awarded to Onward to deliver high-speed internet service to 281 households in Warner Springs.
• $2.7M awarded to AT&T to deliver high-speed internet service to 101 households in San Dieguito.
• $1.5M awarded to AT&T to deliver high-speed internet service to 53 households in Ramona.

Each chosen project provides affordable internet service at or below $30 per month to low-income households.

In July 2024, the Notice of Funding Availability was shared with all known Internet Service Providers in the County. The County requested grant proposals through public outreach and engagement based on findings from the Comprehensive Broadband Plan. The Plan supports the County’s efforts in attempting to close the digital divide in the unincorporated area by identifying problem areas and the partnerships, infrastructure and education needed to change that.

“These projects will provide affordable internet plans for low-income households, and high-speed internet access, strengthening residents’ connection to telehealth, education and economic opportunities. This is one of several positive outcomes for the community advanced by our Comprehensive Broadband Plan,” said Dahvia Lynch, general manager of the County’s Land Use & Environment Group leading broadband efforts for the County.

Construction of the internet and full operable service into the homes will be completed by December 31, 2026.

Broadband Needs Across the County

In an increasingly interconnected world, high-speed internet isn’t just a luxury – it’s a lifeline. It connects our residents to telehealth, education, banking, public safety, resilience, economic opportunity and social well-being. In San Diego County’s unincorporated areas, there are pockets where high-speed internet is unavailable, unreliable or unaffordable. The map below provides an overview of these locations overlayed with information on census tracts in the unincorporated areas based on the County's Comprehensive Broadband Plan. The double arrows on the top left of the map has filtering features for ease of use.

Other Funding Opportunities

The County will also be looking for ways to partner with local public and private entities for future State and Federal funding opportunities. If you would like to get more information on how to join the County in closing the digital divide, you may Ask a Question below or send an email to broadband.grants@sdcounty.ca.gov.

PAST PROGRAMS

Broadband Infographic available in other languages to the right under Documents

The Plan was used for locations where the Get Connected Digital Skills Classes were hosted through a partnership between the County, SANDAG, 211 and lead by the San Diego Future’s Foundations.

For more information: Digital Skills Classes