County of Solano – Broadband Plan
What is Broadband?
The term broadband refers to high-speed, reliable home internet access that is delivered through multiple types of connections, such as cable, fiber, and DSL, to devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Context: The Need for Broadband in Solano County
While digital access has been a longstanding challenge that pre-dates the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of digital connectivity has never been clearer. Closing the digital divide is critical to eradicating systemic inequities so that individuals, businesses, and communities can access education, healthcare, workforce development opportunities, and other critical resources.
Despite significant efforts to extend broadband throughout Solano County, there are still unserved areas (without any internet access) and underserved areas (with sub-optimal internet access), due to a lack of local infrastructure. There are also residents that cannot afford internet access or devices, plus those that cannot fully join the digital world due to a lack of computing skills.
Our aspiration is for Solano County to become a leader in broadband access, close the digital divide, and provide all residents, schools, and organizations with the resources they need to succeed in our digital world. We plan to address barriers to access, availability, affordability, and adoption by both expanding our physical broadband infrastructure and addressing digital equity issues within the County.
County-wide Strategic Broadband Development Plan
Solano County developed a Strategic Broadband Development Plan aimed at expanding broadband access and closing the digital divide. The plan assists the County in understanding and addressing the complex landscape of broadband and directing efforts toward areas that may be unserved or underserved.
While developing the plan, we engaged numerous community entities through interviews and partnerships, drawing insights from local efforts already underway in Solano County and researching comparable benchmarks. We approached the study with an equity-first mindset, focusing initially on areas with the greatest need.
Stakeholder Engagement
Physical Infrastructure: We are working with cities and other agencies throughout the County to review current broadband plans, collect input on projects, and discuss further partnership opportunities to build out broadband services in the unserved or underserved regions. Also, we are engaging internet service providers (ISPs) that serve Solano County to identify potential projects and partnerships that will meet the County’s broadband infrastructure needs.
Digital Equity: We are collaborating with County leaders, local community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders to understand specific digital equity needs in Solano County and uncover potential projects to improve individuals’ and communities’ ability to participate in our increasingly digital society, democracy, and economy. We are also working together to improve digital skills training opportunities, so that County residents can learn how to use technology and get connected.