Riverside County: A Two-Time Digital Inclusion Trailblazer
For two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), Riverside County has been honored by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. This recognition highlights the county's strategic efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote digital literacy among its diverse communities. Riverside County’s programs go beyond providing internet access—they foster economic opportunity, enhance education, and improve quality of life for all residents.
Riverside County's unwavering commitment to digital inclusion ensures that residents have the necessary tools and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. These efforts are a testament to how local governments lead the charge in creating connected communities. Angela Siefer, NDIA Executive Director, commended the county, stating, “Digital equity isn't a solo journey—it’s a collective mission. Riverside County is setting the standard for creating connected communities that serve all citizens.”
Tom Mullen, Director of Broadband Services for Riverside County, echoed this sentiment: “Closing the digital divide is more than a goal—it’s a commitment to our community. We are dedicated to empowering our residents with the ability and knowledge to confidently navigate online platforms and digital devices at any time and place. We continue to assist residents and neighbors in connecting with affordable broadband services, accessing the knowledge and resources they need to participate in our digital community, and working together to close the digital divide in Riverside County.”
2023 Achievements: Laying the Foundation for Digital Equity
In its inaugural year as an NDIA Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, Riverside County earned recognition for initiatives that addressed broadband access, affordability, and adoption:
- RivcoConnect: A visionary initiative launched by the County Board of Supervisors in 2016, RivcoConnect's mission is to make high-speed broadband services widely available, aiming to cover all 87 incorporated, unincorporated, and tribal communities within Riverside County. Recognized with a National Association of Counties (NACO) Achievement Award, the initiative represents the county's dedication to ending the digital divide.
- Broadband Master Plan:Riverside County’s Broadband Master Plan, published in August 2023, outlines the strategies that Riverside County and its partners will implement to connect all of its 2.47 million residents to high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband service. The plan includes goals to expand broadband infrastructure to underserved areas, make access more affordable and encourage adoption while ensuring centralized oversight and aligning with broader economic development goals.
- Digital Equity Program: RivcoConnect donates refurbished computers through nonprofit organizations and school districts to ensure Riverside County residents have access to the internet, digital literacy skills and devices. For instance, Riverside Unified School Districts distributes computers to individuals who complete digital literacy training.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Outreach Campaign: This campaign connected over 213,000 low-income families to affordable internet services, offering discounts of up to $30 off monthly bills (or $75 for tribal lands). The multichannel campaign included bilingual outreach via billboards, television ads, direct mail and bilingual hotline for streamlined enrollment. The campaign was a testament to the county's resolve to ensure no resident is left offline.
- Comprehensive Community Engagement: Beyond advertising, the ACP Outreach Campaign included hosting information and enrollment events with County libraries and schools and participating in community and city-organized events. We also partnered with other County departments, including DPSS, to distribute direct mail to Medi-Cal recipients, ensuring outreach to eligible populations. These efforts strengthened connections and streamlined access to ACP resources.
2024 Achievements: Expanding and Innovating
Building on its 2023 success, Riverside County introduced new initiatives in 2024 to sustain and expand digital equity.
- Tech on Wheels Program: Set to launch in early 2025, this program includes two vans equipped with technology and staffed by digital navigators. These vans will travel across the county to provide free mobile Wi-Fi, IT support, digital literacy training and help residents connect with online public services.
- Digital Skills and Access Report: The Riverside County Broadband Office conducted a benefit-cost analysis for a 10-year digital skills and access program, proposing a sustainable funding solution for digital equity statewide. The full report is available on the Broadband Office website at Digital Skills and Access Report.
About National Digital Inclusion Alliance
NDIA furthers digital equity by fostering community programs and informing policymaking. By collaborating with a network of over 1,500 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA promotes accessible broadband, technology devices, digital skill-building, and ongoing technical support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.
About RivcoConnect
RivcoConnect is dedicated to ending the digital divide in Riverside County. Established by the County Board of Supervisors in 2016, RivcoConnect advocates for affordable and available high-speed broadband services throughout all 87 incorporated, unincorporated, and tribal communities within Riverside County. Riverside County has been recognized with an Achievement Award from National Association of Counties (NACO). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)
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