The State of California has already made significant progress in bridging the digital divide via the existing Broadband for All investments and efforts. The State has identified digital equity as a priority and committed funds and resources for many of its departments and agencies to develop and implement programs and policies in support of digital equity for all its residents.
However, as this Plan shows, more work remains. Many residents still need access to broadband and internet services. Many more residents find home Internet service and devices to be unaffordable. And many Californians need to gain the digital skills necessary to utilize the Internet to the full extent possible. These barriers disproportionately affect members of covered populations and digitally disadvantaged communities, which have a greater need for support and services.
Through the implementation of the strategies and key activities identified in this Plan, leveraging statewide, regional, and local partnerships, the State can continue to make progress toward its vision of creating a California in which all residents have access to high-performance broadband, affordable service and devices, and the training and support necessary to enable digital inclusion for economic and other social benefits.