Michelson Center for Public Policy Applauds Los Angeles County and WeLink for Bringing High-Speed, Low-Cost Internet Options to Areas Impacted by the Digital Divide

This Partnership Will Provide New Internet Options for Up to 275,000 Households and Small Businesses in East and South Los Angeles

Up to 275,000 households and small businesses in Los Angeles will gain access to affordable and reliable broadband internet thanks to a new partnership between the County of Los Angeles’ Internal Services Department (ISD) and WeLink Communications. East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles are historically underserved areas that have been significantly impacted by the digital divide. The services will feature multilingual support, fixed pricing, and consumer-friendly terms.

The Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) commends this announcement as it underscores the importance of ensuring that all communities across California have access to affordable and reliable internet services. 

“We applaud the County of LA and the CBN project for this historic and long-awaited milestone in providing the communities of South LA and East LA the accessible, affordable, reliable internet they deserve. With this project, Los Angeles once again leads CA, and the country, in protecting our communities’ civil rights, including a right to connectivity that is essential to fully participating in today’s society.” said Cristal Mojica, Senior Program Officer for the Digital Equity Initiative at Michelson 20MM Foundation and Michelson Center for Public Policy. “We look forward to continued partnership between digital equity advocates, LA County, and service providers to ensure that our communities’ needs will remain at the center of this important work.” 

Click here to read the full announcement. 

More on Digital Equity

The Michelson Center for Public Policy are proud co-sponsors of AB 2239 authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, which would make California the pioneer in adopting the FCC’s definition of digital discrimination into state law. This legislation targets policies that unjustly limit broadband access based on socioeconomic factors, spotlighting the digital divide that leaves communities of color disconnected.