San Diego Central Library

April 21, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Southern Border Broadband Consortium, Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, California Department of Technology (CDT), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), other state agencies and local partners invite organizations and community members in Imperial and San Diego counties to take another step toward creating an equitable digital future by making their voices heard at the Broadband for All, Digital Equity, and Broadband Equity, Adoption, and Deployment (BEAD) Regional Planning Workshop.

The workshop is part of a series of 20 events being held across California to engage with the public and collect feedback on the State Digital Equity Program. Input shared during the workshops will help California develop the State’s Digital Equity and BEAD Five-Year Action Plans that will determine how future federal dollars are allocated to address digital inequities in the community.

The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register to ensure adequate space and accommodations.

To Register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/601701283737.

The internet is critical to everyday life. Yet one out of five Californians, including many in Imperial and San Diego counties, lack access to affordable, reliable internet service, devices, and the skills to use them. As a result, millions in our state are unable to access essential government services and realize other social and economic benefits. This gap is referred to as the “digital divide” which most impacts low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, incarcerated individuals, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, those with language barriers and low levels of literacy, and rural residents.

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