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 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 increase access to essential services like telehealth, education, banking, public safety, resilience, and economic opportunity. The Plan is being usedContinue reading
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 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 increase access to essential services like telehealth, education, banking, public safety, resilience, and economic opportunity. The Plan is being used in determining how to advance the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) when engaging priority communities, like those in rural and border areas. Similarly, the Plan is being leveraged to prioritize locations to host the Get Connected Digital Skills Classes hosted by a partnership between the County, SANDAG, 211 and lead by the San Diego Future’s Foundations.
The Plan compliments the County’s ongoing broadband improvement efforts including the County Library’s Tech Connect Program that provides 7,000 Google Chromebooks and MiFi hotspots with unlimited data plans to connect residents and students to the internet for free. The take-home kits ensured that our communities have the technology needed for full participation in our society and economy. The library has extended the program this year to purchase 2,000 MiFi hotspots for check-out.
By implementing the Plan’s strategy, the County will continue to build regional partnerships and engage public and private entities to work together to expand broadband access. The County will also be looking for ways to partner with local public and private entities for funding opportunities for construction projects that provide internet that is reasonably priced, universally accessible, that offers enhanced speed and network capacity in the unincorporated areas.
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Closing the Digital Divide in the Unincorporated Area has finished this stage
In January 2021, the San Diego County began developing the Comprehensive Broadband Plan to create a strategy for rapid broadband deployment and adoption within the County.
Research and Interviews
Closing the Digital Divide in the Unincorporated Area has finished this stage
The County conducted research and engaged stakeholders to better understand broadband gaps and potential opportunities.
Community Workshops and Focus Groups
Closing the Digital Divide in the Unincorporated Area has finished this stage
Through surveys and community workshops and focus groups, the voices of stakeholders and community groups in the unincorporated areas, as well as the region’s Tribal nations helped inform the Plan and to document the consequences of insufficient broadband and capture the desired future state.
Comprehensive Broadband Plan
Closing the Digital Divide in the Unincorporated Area has finished this stage
In January 2023, the Land Use and Environment Group finalized the County’s Comprehensive Broadband Plan (Plan) for the unincorporated area that identifies access and infrastructure opportunities, a huge step forward toward advancing digital equity.
Infrastructure Mapping and Identification
Closing the Digital Divide in the Unincorporated Area is currently at this stage
The County has just started its second phase of work with a consultant to use the findings from the Comprehensive Broadband Plan to identify the types of infrastructure projects needed to increase connectivity, such as installing more fiber optic cables in certain areas.
Comprehensive Broadband Plan - Jan. 2023
Broadband Infographic
