County Study Advances Ways to Close Digital Divide in Unincorporated Area

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Broadband Infographic available in other languages to the right under Documents


To improve internet access, reliability, and affordability in the unincorporated areas – a basic need in today’s connected world – the County conducted an extensive study to identify areas lacking reliable, affordable service and the infrastructure needed to change that.



The newly released study called the Comprehensive Broadband Plan (Plan) was developed in partnership with Guidehouse Inc., industry stakeholders, and the community at-large. Its goal is to promote digital equity through robust and affordable broadband infrastructure and education. The County will also be collaborating with public and private stakeholders to take advantage of funding opportunities to deliver the needed infrastructure. The Plan ranks broadband need by census tract which helps prioritize the areas with the greatest need.

The Plan compliments the County’s ongoing broadband improvement efforts including the County Library’s Tech Connect program that provides 7,000 laptops and Wi-Fi cards for free, and its partnership with SANDAG’s GetConnected program.

On this site, you will find information on progress, updates, and opportunities to engage with the project as an individual and as a community. Looking to get involved further?

  • Ask questions, share stories, and submit suggestions via this website!

Broadband Infographic available in other languages to the right under Documents


To improve internet access, reliability, and affordability in the unincorporated areas – a basic need in today’s connected world – the County conducted an extensive study to identify areas lacking reliable, affordable service and the infrastructure needed to change that.



The newly released study called the Comprehensive Broadband Plan (Plan) was developed in partnership with Guidehouse Inc., industry stakeholders, and the community at-large. Its goal is to promote digital equity through robust and affordable broadband infrastructure and education. The County will also be collaborating with public and private stakeholders to take advantage of funding opportunities to deliver the needed infrastructure. The Plan ranks broadband need by census tract which helps prioritize the areas with the greatest need.

The Plan compliments the County’s ongoing broadband improvement efforts including the County Library’s Tech Connect program that provides 7,000 laptops and Wi-Fi cards for free, and its partnership with SANDAG’s GetConnected program.

On this site, you will find information on progress, updates, and opportunities to engage with the project as an individual and as a community. Looking to get involved further?

  • Ask questions, share stories, and submit suggestions via this website!

  • Broadband Digital Equity Workshop

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    Broadband for All is the State’s overarching program to foster digital equity in our communities. The State has invested billions of dollars in the program to ensure that every resident has access to affordable and dependable internet service, devices, and skills training. But more needs to be done.

    The State Digital Equity team is hosting a digital equity workshop for organizations and the local community to help create a more equitable digital future. The event is open to the public to participate and share about lived experience in access to affordable, reliable broadband service, devices, and the skills to use them.

    Broadband For All Digital Equity Workshop

    Friday April 21, 2023

    12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    San Diego Central Library

    330 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101

    Input from this event will help California develop the State’s Digital Equity Plan and the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan that will determine how federal dollars will be used to address digital inequities in your community. The Plans will be a major milestone toward ensuring greater internet access for the community.

    The State Digital Equity Team is a partnership between San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC), Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) and the Southern Border Broadband Consortium (SBBC) and led by the State of California, the Department of Technology, and the California Public Utilities Commission.

    Take another step toward creating an equitable digital future by making your voices heard, and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/601701283737

    Questions? Please reach out to kyle.oryan@state.ca.gov

Page last updated: 08 May 2023, 10:23 PM