policymakers have examined and talked about the “digital divide,” the shorthand term for the disparities in internet access that has contributed to many being excluded from the benefits of the Information Age. But it has taken the COVID-19 pandemic to bring home the seriousness and urgency of the problem.
The L.A. County acknowledged the critical necessity for internet to be widely available across Los Angeles. Schools and other academic programs are only accessible online due to the COVID-19 outbreak. According to American Community Survey Data for L.A. County, approximately 210,000 children have a computer. However, they do not have access to a broadband, nearly 300,000 students do not have internet access.The L.A. Board of Supervisors announced the WiFi Finder; a tool co-created by the 2-1-1 and LA County, equips L.A. County residents with a “one-stop approach to getting access.”