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.
What challenges have you or your family experienced trying to access the internet / Wi-Fi?
We want to hear from you! Share your story and experiences about how you access the internet in San Diego County (e.g., public Wi-Fi at the library). Do you and your family have access to the speeds, devices, and training needed to participate in school, work, or public services? What else is the internet essential for? What challenges do you face?
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
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I'm the only house on my street that doesn't have access to cable internet and have to rely on the fixed wireless service that caps out at 15 Mbps at over $100. My only option is to pay out of pocket to have a line dug from a neighboring property, which is incredibly expensive.
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last two years the power was shut off in the area while a large fire was nearby. due to limited cellular signal (verizon) we rely on wifi calling and LTE extenders for signal. this left us completely disconnected from any communication, information or evacuation alerts.
by Borrego Springs Economic Development/Tourism/Education,
over 1 year ago
For Borrego Springs:
Our need for reliable internet is urgent. We suffer outages every week, which makes it very difficult to work, learn, or operate a business.
There are federal and state grant programs that are coming online, and we would like San Diego County to move beyond studies and reports.
We would like to see a specific plan for Borrego Springs in 2022-23, that can then be expanded to other rural parts of the county. We have active community participation in the Revitalization Committees, which would be glad to assist.
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.