In May, the California Department of Technology launched their Digital Equity Online Survey, an effort to better understand the digital equity barriers and needs of Californians living in unserved and underserved communities. The data collected from this survey will help to inform the State’s Digital Equity Plan, and direct how to allocate millions of dollars in the years ahead to ensure every Californian has access to Broadband Internet services, skills and tools.
“High-speed, high-quality internet service is essential for participation in modern life,” said Colusa County Chief Administrative Officer Wendy Tyler, in a news release. “However, many rural and remote communities lack the proper level of service to adequately participate in today’s economy. We urge Colusa County residents to use this opportunity to make their voices heard.”
Without access to affordable and reliable broadband internet, many Californians are marginalized, unable to obtain employment, advance their careers, participate in online education, or access healthcare and essential government services.
The survey, available in 14 languages, seeks to identify specific barriers that unserved and underserved California residents face every day so that investments can be made to help Californians overcome them. Community members can take the survey by visiting broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/state-digital-equity-plan/
The deadline to respond is June 30, 2023. ■
