With the help of HubbleIQ data, Oakland will receive $15 million in state funding to improve internet speeds, despite opposition from major ISPs. This grant will specifically address "last mile" connectivity in underserved areas.
Data collected by the tech company HubbleIQ revealed a stark digital divide within Oakland, with over a third of 8,000 addresses experiencing slow internet speeds. These findings contradicted claims by major internet service providers that the city enjoyed adequate connectivity. Armed with this evidence, a group of advocates, OaklandUndivided, successfully lobbied for a $15 million state grant to address the issue.
Despite opposition from major ISPs, Oakland will receive the funding to improve internet speeds in underserved areas. The grant specifically targets the "last mile" challenge of connecting these neighborhoods to the broader fiber-optic network. The California Public Utilities Commission identified Oakland as one of several Northern California communities suffering from digital inequities despite being in close proximity to technological innovation hubs.
OaklandUndivided, a community organization led by a former city school teacher, played a crucial role in securing the grant. They highlighted the disproportionate impact of slow internet speeds on East Oakland residents, particularly students who struggled with remote learning during the pandemic.
Patricia Wells, head of the Oakland Housing Authority, emphasized the importance of reliable and affordable high-speed internet as an essential utility. She stressed that all residents, regardless of income, deserve equal access to this vital resource. The $15 million grant represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in Oakland and ensuring a more equitable future for its residents.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how HubbleIQ can help you bridge the digital divide.
