Action plan progress tracker
of the Regional Digital Equity Strategy
Action
Action Name
Description
Progress Status
1.1
Broadband Definition
Advocate and adopt a definition of “broadband” for the region that reflects the goal of 100/20 Mbps included in the Governor’s Executive Order 73-20, and addresses future demands, reliability, and other service level standards (e.g., latency, jitter). Inform state definition.
Complete
1.2
Distinction between "unserved" and "underserved"
Develop a standard definition for “unserved” and “underserved” households and/or census blocks. Inform state definitions.
Complete
1.3
Map of unserved and underserved
Prepare a map of unserved and underserved areas to focus investments in areas of greatest need.
Digital Divide 2.0: Broadband Access and More | SANDAG Open Data Portal
Complete
1.4
Collaboration with digital equity leaders
Identify political champions and digital equity leaders in the region and state.
In Progress
1.5
Digital Equity in SANDAG Legislative Program
Incorporate digital equity and broadband deployment into the SANDAG annual legislative program.
Complete
1.6
Digital Equity in Member Agency Legislative Programs
Encourage SANDAG member agencies to incorporate digital equity and broadband deployment into their annual legislative programs.
In Progress
1.7
Broadband Rulemaking
Track and participate in federal and state legislation like the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other state initiatives (e.g., California Broadband Council, Middle Mile Advisory Committee, California Advanced Services Fund, SB 156, SB 4, AB 14) rulemakings related to broadband affordability and performance in order to support deployment of a statewide open access middle-mile, last-mile broadband infrastructure, and programming for digital adoption and literacy.
Inform and encourage Taskforce members and member agencies to participate in relevant legislation and rulemakings.
CPUC Broadband Implementation for California
Advisory Committee | State of California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative
In Progress
1.8
Universal Broadband Economic Impact Analysis
Conduct an Economic Impact Analysis of Universal Broadband to demonstrate and promote the potential impact of a fully connected region
In Progress
Action
Action Name
Description
Progress Status
2.1
Member Agency Digital Divide Resolution
Encourage member agencies to adopt a resolution committing to bridge the digital divide.
City of National City Digital Divide Resolution - June 1, 2022
In Progress
2.2
Local Broadband Barriers
Identify regional or local policies, practices, or legislation that may inhibit broadband deployment. Determine steps needed to mitigate policy barriers.
In Progress
2.3
Digital Equity in SANDAG Grant Programs
Integrate digital equity into existing and future SANDAG funding programs (e.g., Smart Growth Incentive Program, Housing Grant Program).
Not Started
2.4
Broadband in Regional Planning
Integrate broadband into regional transportation plans (e.g., Interregional Tribal Transportation Strategy and Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plans).
SANDAG - Intraregional Tribal Transportation Strategy page
In Progress
2.5
local agency annual legislative programs
Incorporate digital equity and broadband deployment into the SANDAG annual legislative program.
In Progress
2.6
Regional Digital Infrastructure Taskforce
Establish a work group to develop regional permitting standards and guidelines that expedite broadband infrastructure development in unserved and underserved communities.
In Progress
2.6(A)
State Permitting Coordination
Coordinate local efforts with state initiatives (e.g., GoBiz) to streamline local land use approvals and permitting of broadband infrastructure.
In Progress
2.6(B)
Streamline Permitting Processes
Develop standard agreement templates to streamline permitting processes (e.g., master encroachment permit, digital permitting).
In Progress
2.7
Digital Infrastructure and Broadband Master Plan
Complete a Digital Infrastructure and Broadband Master Plan to inventory public fiber infrastructure, identify gaps, and develop an implementation strategy for a regional broadband network to connect public facilities in each of the San Diego region’s jurisdictions, especially areas of greatest need.
In Progress
2.7(A)
Municipal Broadband Deployment Opportunities
Consider opportunities for municipal broadband deployment to expand service to public facilities including mobility hubs, libraries, parks, community anchor institutions, etc.
In Progress
2.7(B)
Broadband Service Provider Contracting Guidance
Develop guidance for local jurisdictions on contracting with broadband service providers (e.g., construction requirements, service/affordability standards, maintenance standards, term, insurance, etc.).
In Progress
2.8
Broadband Impacts on GHG
Consistent with the Draft 2021 Regional Plan Environmental Impact Report, conduct a study on the impacts of broadband on greenhouse gas emission reductions to evaluate the potential impact of broadband as a transportation mitigation strategy.
Not Started
Action
Action Name
Description
Progress Status
3.1
Absorbed in Goal 1.7
Absorbed in Goal 1.7
3.2
State of California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative
Collaborate with the California Department of Technology (CDT), Caltrans, and the State’s Third- Party Administrator (TPA) to advance initial middle-mile priority locations in San Diego County.
In Progress
3.3
Dig Once Pilot Project
Pilot a Dig-Once project to deploy conduit and fiber as part of the State Route 67 Pavement Rehabilitation Project. Inform state Dig-Once policies and practices.
In Progress
3.4
Strategic Broadband Projects Map
Develop a map of strategic projects that can be leveraged to expand broadband infrastructure.
Complete
3.5
SANDAG Dig-Once Policy
Implement a Dig-Once policy to install conduit and fiber as part of SANDAG-funded projects.
In Progress
3.6
Dig Once Broadband Inventory
Inventory local infrastructure assets that can be made available for broadband infrastructure deployment. Provide templates for sharing/leasing assets.
Complete
3.7
Fiber Sharing Agreement Template
Develop and implement a regional fiber sharing agreement template for public and private partners.
Complete
Action
Action Name
Description
Progress Status
4.1
Expanding Service to the Unserved and Underserved
Pursue projects to expand service in unserved and underserved rural areas (e.g, Initial MiddleMile Project Locations, Statewide Rural Connectivity Project).
In Progress
4.2
Expanding Last-Mile Connectivity
Pursue projects to expand last-mile connectivity in underserved urban areas (e.g., Promize Zone Initiative).
In Progress
4.3
Absorbed in Goal 2.7(B)
Absorbed in Goal 2.7(B)
4.4
Request for Qualifications
Prequalify ISPs as partners for grants and other digital equity projects through a competitive process (i.e., Request For Partnerships). Require partners to provide household level data that will support planning for deployment in unserved and underserved areas.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Prospective Broadband Partnerships
Complete
4.5
Public Housing Internet Service
Establish a work group and develop a strategy for providing internet service to residents of all public housing properties in the region.
In Progress
4.6
Cooperation with Educational Institutions
Coordinate and convene educational institutions (i.e., K-12, colleges, universities) to discuss broadband needs for students.
In Progress
4.7
Broadband as a Safety Resource
Coordinate and convene public safety organizations to discuss broadband needs for public safety and disaster preparedness, response, resiliency, recovery, and mitigation capabilities.
In Progress
4.8
Broadband for Public Health
Coordinate and convene public health organizations to discuss broadband needs for telehealth capabilities, emergency response systems, etc.
Not Started
Action
Action Name
Description
Progress Status
5.1
Regional Digital Divide Taskforce
Convene the Taskforce, as needed, to share best practices, resources, and lessons learned and coordinate on regional initiatives.
In Progress
5.2
Collaboration with Community-based Organizations
Convene community-based organizations (e.g., SANDAG Social Equity Working Group) to coordinate and advance initiatives that increase broadband adoption, digital literacy, and device ownership. Report back to the Taskforce on a regular basis.
In Progress
5.3
Digital Literacy Curriculums
Review existing digital literacy curriculums for seniors, adults and students. Determine gaps, opportunities for improvements, and encourage integration of curriculums into community-based organizations offerings, schools, libraries, etc.
In Progress
5.4
Digital Equity Resource Inventory
Inventory community-based organizations, libraries, schools, foundations, etc. that promote and offer programs that advance digital literacy. Increase the number of organizations that offer digital equity programming.
Complete
5.5
Get Connected Resource Hub
Create a regional portal for resources and information on digital equity data and programing including subsidies for broadband service, as well as programs for digital literacy, accessibility and device ownership. Ensure that 211 is promoting information on digital equity resources.
Complete
5.6
Digital Equity Funding
Identify funding resources (federal, state, local, private) to support community-based digital equity solutions.
In Progress
5.7
Tribal Stakeholder Engagement
Coordinate and convene tribal stakeholders to expand digital literacy programs and services in tribal areas.
Interagency Technical Working Group on Tribal Transportation Issues, October 5, 2022
In Progress
5.8
Get Connected Outreach Campaign
Develop and share communications materials to raise awareness, cross promote, and build support for digital equity.
Complete
5.8(A)
Get Connected Partner Toolkit
Create a toolkit of resources for taskforce members with newsletter content, speaking points, graphics, one pagers, and sample social media posts.
Complete
5.8(B)
Get Connected Media Outreach
Engage media through press releases and story pitches when relevant projects reach key milestones, or new local and regional policies are adopted.
Complete
5.9
Promote Digital Accessibility
Identify and promote the use of digital accessibility tools for people with disabilities to use technology and improve digital literacy in partnership with regional stakeholders (e.g, Social Services Transportation Advisory Council, City of San Diego’s Accessibility Advisory Board).
In Progress
5.9(A)
Standard Accessibility Policy
Develop standard policy and processes to improve the accessibility of SANDAG work products, website, etc. Encourage Taskforce and member agencies to adopt and promote digital accessibility standards.
Not Started
5.9(B)
Promote Digital Accessibility
Share resources and standards on digital accessibility tools with Taskforce and member agencies.
Not Started
5.10
Internet Affordability Programs
Work through public housing organizations and other public services to promote enrollment in broadband service subsidy programs and related digital equity services.
In Progress
5.11
Recycling Devices
Encourage member agencies, community-based organizations, and businesses to donate retired technology assets to organizations that offer programs advancing device ownership and digital literacy.
In Progres
Action
Action Name
Description
Progress Status
6.1
Improved Broadband Data
Track and actively participate in legislation and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rulemakings to advocate for more granular and accurate broadband data. Advocate for improved Federal Communications Commission’s Form 477 reporting. Encourage Taskforce and member agencies to actively participate.
In Progress
6.2
Regional Broadband Adoption Survey
Conduct a regional survey to establish a baseline for broadband adoption in the region. Develop a plan for regular surveys to measure progress on broadband adoption.
Not Started
6.3
Regional Broadband Access and Adoption Data
Publish, maintain and update interactive data portal to track and monitor progress on broadband access and adoption.
The Digital Divide in the San Diego Region
In Progress
Action
Action Name
Description
Progress Status
7.1
Local Digital Equity Funding
Incorporate digital equity into SANDAG funding programs and work with partners to establish funding for digital divide programs locally.
In Progress
7.2
Digital Equity Funding Advocacy
Advocate for and apply for state and federal funding to expand broadband infrastructure and services in Southern California.
In Progress
7.3
Digital Equity Funding Legislation
Support legislation to establish sustainable funding for subsidized broadband in areas of greatest need including low-income households, public housing, and anchor institutions.
In Progress
7.4
Digital Equity Grant Funding
Identify and promote grant funding opportunities. Seek partnerships to assist local jurisdictions, CBOs, and tribes with digital equity initiatives.
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Adoption Account - California Grants Portal
In Progress
7.5
Identification of Projects for Funding Applications
Work with community-based organizations to establish partnerships and a prioritized list of digital equity projects that are ready to go for funding applications
Not Started
7.6
Tracking Grant Opportunities to Expand Broadband
Track federal, state, and local grant opportunities to expand broadband services and advance broadband adoption in the region.
In Progress
7.6(A)
Support Grant Applications for Broadband Services
Support Taskforce members with grant applications (Letter of support, data, etc.) for projects such as: Planning or technical studies/assessments, Digital literacy, Subsidized broadband subscriptions, Equipment (computers, hotspots, etc.)
In Progress
7.7
Collaboration with Philanthropic Organizations
Engage with active philanthropy organizations to identify areas of shared interest and potential sources of funding to support digital equity programs and services.
Not Started