In 2017, San José’s digital divide included 95,000 households that lack access to broadband according to a study conducted by the City of San José, Stanford School of Education & Community Connect Labs. Closing this divide is imperative to building an inclusive city and has become more vital with the advent of COVID-19. Distance learning, working from home, telehealth options and maintaining social connections have created an even more pressing need to increase digital access and close the digital divide in San José.

SJ Access is an innovative digital inclusion initiative that seeks to address the three A’s: Access, Adoption, and Affordability. Key programs are:

• 3,000 unlimited data AT&T hotspots circulated to the general public, key demographic program participants and via a referral program to CBOs
• Mobile Maker[Space]Ship to distribute in high-needs areas
• 12,800 AT&T hotspots provided to Santa Clara Office of Education
• Device kit checkout, including laptop/iPad, hotspot and digital literacy curricula
• Loan-to-own refurbished devices

Metrics:

• 12,800 families can access the internet for learning, working and other vital services (up to six devices per hotspot)
• 450 residents will receive a device and digital literacy training via the loan-to-own program
• 600 patrons will gain access to a device/hotspot via the device kit loan program
• 3,000 unlimited data hotspots will be deployed for general circulation

Partnerships:

• Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE)
• California Emerging Technology Fund
• SJ Digital Inclusion Fund grantees