Gov. Newsom reverses broadband cuts advocates portrayed as digital redlining

California will reverse a decision to scale down the expansion of broadband to internet-deprived low-income areas like East Oakland and South Central Los Angeles. Earlier in 2023, the state cited inflation and rising construction costs as reasons why primary broadband service expansions would be gutted, said Patrick Messac, Director for #OaklandUndivided, an internet advocacy nonprofit. Where the state scaled back—in urban areas including Central Valley communities like Stockton and Wasco—became a source of discontent for digital equity advocates. Additionally, the state did not retract service expansions to wealthier communities, fueling more controversy among advocates. To reintroduce primary networking to underserved areas, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) will divert funds from the January 2024 budget to universalize broadband services throughout California, said Liana Bailey-Crimmins, Director of the California Department of Technology.