In an effort to understand and address equity barriers in a digital environment, the California Department of Technology launched an online survey. The goal is to ensure each person living in California has broadband internet services.
The survey takes 10 minutes according to their website and is available in the following 13 languages:
- English
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
- Vietnamese
- Tagalog
- Korean
- Armenian
- Persian/Farsi
- Arabic
- Russian
- Japanese
- Punjabi
- Khmer
“We believe California is the first state in the nation to collect data in this robust way to inform our efforts to bring high-speed internet service to everyone in the state,” said Liana Bailey-Crimmins, Director of the Department, in a release.
Bailey-Crimmins stated in the release that the survey will help determine how millions of dollars will be spent over the next few years on internet services.
“The results of this survey — together with input gathered at community workshops and meetings throughout the state — will guide how millions of dollars are spent on efforts ranging from broadband adoption and digital navigation programs, digital literacy training and the purchase of devices and equipment to ensure every Californian can participate in today’s digital society.”
The release explained that the importance of eliminating the digital divide is because those in marginalized communities will have a more challenging time getting employment, healthcare access, and certain educational opportunities without broadband internet services.
After the survey, the California Department of Technology hopes to understand specific barriers to internet access and how to invest in the needed areas.
The deadline to respond to the survey is Jun 30, 2023
“We are nearing a significant milestone in our efforts to ensure equitable internet access, so it is crucial that as many residents as possible participate in this planning process to share their input,” said Bailey-Crimmins in the release.
