TriplePlayBundled • March 31 2023
Broadband and its State in California
Broadband and its State in California
Broadband, also known as high-speed internet, has become increasingly important in California, as it is essential for businesses, education, and even entertainment. However, the state of broadband service in California is not uniform, with disparities in availability, speed, and pricing across different regions. In this article, we will explore the current state of broadband access and the potential impact it has on individuals, businesses, and communities.
Availability
Broadband availability in California is a mixed bag, with some areas having access to high-speed internet and others struggling to access basic internet service. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reports that 96% of Californians have access to broadband, but there still exist rural areas, particularly in the northern part of the state where people have poor internet connectivity. Living in areas without broadband significantly affects the way of life of people, who cannot access telemedicine, remote learning, and e-commerce.
Speed
In terms of broadband speed, California ranks sixth in the country, with a statewide average of 84 Mbps. However, it is important to understand that not all areas in California have the same speed. Urban areas, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, have faster broadband speeds than rural regions. Speeds are also affected by the type of internet connection available in a particular area, such as fiber-optic, cable, or satellite. According to the CPUC, around 50% of Californians with broadband access still have speeds below the federal definition of broadband, which is 25 Mbps. This means that even where internet access is available, some residents still struggle with buffering and slow download speeds.
Pricing
Broadband pricing in California is a contentious issue. Local providers try to provide affordable plans, but they are still significantly higher if one compares them to states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, where plans as low as $20 offer 100 Mbps internet speed. Currently, the average cost for broadband in California is around $60 per month. However, low-income individuals in California have access to the Internet Essentials program, which provides discounted broadband services from Comcast.
Impact of Limited Broadband Access
Limited broadband access has a severe impact on individuals, businesses, and communities. Without broadband access, people cannot access online educational resources, telemedicine, and remote work options. The situation in rural areas is especially dire, where businesses cannot advertise online or provide online retail services. This disparity affects the economic growth of the state, as businesses located in areas without broadband are at a disadvantage compared to businesses that can access high-speed internet.
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Allowing Users to Add their Own Broadband Service
Innovative solutions for improving the state of broadband access in California include allowing community-led internet systems or allowing users to form their broadband network. While community-led systems bring people together and can act when their needs are not being met by commercial providers, they involve a significant amount of investment and time to succeed. On the other hand, allowing users to add their broadband service can increase competition but with the drawback of some users being unskilled in setting up the necessary infrastructure.
Recommendations for Improving Broadband Access
Improving broadband access in California includes creating policies to expand broadband access in rural areas and increase data transfer speeds. Policymakers should take advantage of state funding and work with internet service providers, community-led systems, and other stakeholders to improve internet access to areas that may lack it. Outreach programs in underserved areas should educate people about digital literacy and bridge the equity gap.
Conclusion
Access to broadband is essential to California's residents, businesses, and communities. The state of broadband service in California is not uniform, and further investment is required to ensure that Californians can get the connectivity and access to high-speed internet they require to achieve their full potential. Policymakers must work towards ensuring that nobody is left behind in the digital world, and residents must be encouraged to participate in creating a broad and equitable digital future.
