The city of San Diego has started work to develop a Broadband Master Plan with the ultimate goal of addressing internet access and digital equity across the city.
“It’s important that all San Diegans and San Diego communities have reliable and affordable access to the internet,” said Jonathan Behnke, chief information officer for the Department of IT. “With the Broadband Master Plan initiative, we look forward to learning how to better serve San Diego and eliminate the digital equity divide.”
The first step in the process is holding a series of focus groups in the coming weeks. The focus groups will gather input to help shape the city’s guiding principles for internet access. Residents are also encouraged to take an internet speed test and an internet access survey to help the city understand the current landscape.
City officials said the primary goal of the master plan is to increase the availability and affordability of broadband in the city with a focus on underserved communities, low-income housing residents, and public-serving city facilities. Additionally, the plan will also ensure that San Diego meets state of California standards for broadband speeds.
City leaders also said that the master plan will better position San Diego to “coordinate, leverage, and implement state and federal broadband infrastructure investments and policy, and identify how city and public resources can be used to increase broadband access and affordability.”
During the development process, the city said it plans to explore how public-private partnerships can benefit the city and help close the digital divide. The city has already identified potential collaborations with six community-based organizations to engage community members and small businesses to better understand their experiences with internet access and those impacted by the digital divide.
“Access to reliable broadband is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for education, employment, healthcare, and daily life. The Broadband Master Plan is a transformative initiative that addresses a critical community need, bridging the digital divide for underserved populations,” said Mustafa Sahid, Somali Family Service director of Operations. “Somali Family Service is proud to support efforts that ensure equitable access to technology, empowering our communities to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
The Master Plan initiative is funded by a $500,000 State of California Local Agency Technical Assistance Grant.
