Millions Have Been Set Aside To Get More People Online. Private Companies Want To Use It For LA's Wealthy Neighborhoods
"We are confident the state will focus on project applications that connect currently unserved and underserved communities when awarding funds," a Spectrum spokesperson wrote.The money was intended as a “once in a lifetime” cash infusion into disadvantaged communities, says Cristal Mojica of the Michelson Center for Public Policy. But now she says there’s growing concern it will be used to maintain the status quo.
“When you think about what it takes to offer customer service, technical support… having a bunch of little small companies out there trying to each do this is not the most efficient way," AT&T CEO John Stankey said in an interview with LAist.a historic multi-billion dollar investment to close the digital divide. As part of this plan, the state is
It received 484 last-mile applications in all. An LAist review found the vast majority were filed by large private internet companies: AT&T , Comcast , Cox , Frontier and Spectrum . Spectrum is the largest service provider in L.A. County. It’s asking for $2.5 million to complete one local project that would serve about 900 households near Lancaster and Antelope Acres. The median household income is $97,000.
A group in Antelope Valley wants $45 million to connect 7,200 households and 500 businesses. The median household income is $67,000.