Regional Broadband | SGVCOG Website (New)

Regional Broadband Needs Assessment & Strategic Plan

The 2024 Regional Broadband Needs Assessment & Strategic Plan was finalized in September 2024, and is publicly available here.

Project Background

In November 2022, the SGVCOG received $496,960 through the California Public Utilities Commission’s Local Agency Technical Assistance Grant to complete a region-wide broadband needs assessment and develop a strategic plan for connecting unserved and underserved communities to high-speed internet throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

The SGVCOG procured Magellan Advisors, an Entrust Solutions Group Company, to develop the plan which includes

Our Project

Our Broadband needs Assessment and Strategic Plan project will include:

An inventory of existing broadband systems and services available to identify infrastructure and gaps in service.

Analysis of existing uses of commercial network services, the current costs of those services, and applications the services support.

Governance, ownership, and management strategy to determine appropriate governance structures at the regional and local levels

Throughout the process, SGVCOG sought insights from cities, emergency services, libraries, public works, transportation, water districts, and government agencies and residents of the SGV through focus groups and surveys. SGVCOG also held a virtual Regional Broadband Summit focused on digital equity and municipal broadband infrastructure. A recording of the Broadband Summit can be accessed here.

5 Key Actions Cities Can Take to Ensure Broadband Access

1) Assess Community Needs (Completed through the SGVCOG Regional Broadband Needs Assessment & Strategic Plan)

Conduct surveys and map where internet service is missing or too slow.

Identify specific neighborhoods or low-income households that lack access (the "digital divide").

2) Streamline Infrastructure Rules

Update local permitting rules to make it easier and faster for internet providers to build networks.
Lower fees for using public rights-of-way or utility poles to encourage private companies to build in underserved areas.

3) Build Public Infrastructure

Build city-owned fiber-optic networks (often called municipal broadband) and lease them to private service providers.
Create public Wi-Fi zones in high-need areas like parks, community centers, or public housing complexes.

4) Partner with Providers

Form public-private partnerships where the city and a private company share the cost and work of expanding network coverage.

Negotiate franchise agreements with cable and telecom companies to require service upgrades or community benefits.

5) Promote Digital Equity and Adoption

Support programs that give low-income families free or low-cost computers and discounted internet plans (such as helping residents sign up for federal programs).
Fund digital literacy training at local libraries and community centers so people learn how to use the internet safely and effectively.