Digital Divide Closing In San Diego

August 2009---The San Diego Broadband Initiative has reduced the digital divide in unconnected communities throughout San Diego County. The San Diego Broadband Initiative was formed to provide technology and technical resources to San Diego's underserved and low-income families. The term “digital divide” refers to segments of society without access to information technology and its potential to improve the quality of life. A 2009 survey by the California Emerging Technology Fund determined that 76% of the population of California uses the internet and 75% owns a computer. The approximate 25% of disconnected residents is at a tremendous disadvantage economically and educationally as more and more resources and information become available solely through the internet. True access includes not only computers and connections, but also having access to training that leads to proficiency needed to achieve higher levels of education and employment.

By the end of its first year of operation, over 1,950 low-income families had participated in a wide variety of services in which participants completed over 13,000 hours of basic computer training. After completing training provided by 14 partner organizations combined with other related services, each family received their own restored desktop computer with a new operating system and current software and discounted internet service.

The San Diego Broadband Initiative reached a number of significant milestones in its first year including: launching an interactive website, www.sdbroadband.org, negotiating reduced connection rates and offering over 30 on-line education and training courses. The depth and continuum of SDBI services offer members tools to increase employability skills and educational achievement, paths that lead to economic security and improved quality of life.

Over the next six months, SDFF will develop the next phase for the Initiative, SDBI 2.0, while continuing to provide SDBI services. SDBI 2.0 will launch in early 2010. The second phase will expand SDBI services to more than twice the target population of the first year and offer exciting new products and services.

For more information about the San Diego Broadband Initiative please visit their website.