Advanced Communications Services

High-speed broadband telecommunications access is critical for businesses to thrive in the global marketplace and for San Joaquin Valley residents to access services and education. Adoption rates continue to be low and must be increased in order to reduce the digital divide and provide for increased employment opportunities. Affordable basic training also continues to be scarce especially in rural communities.

The Advanced Communications Services Work Group focuses on facilitating the use of regionwide, advanced communications. Recognizing that high-speed, broadband telecommunications access is essential in doing business and accessing services, the work group is promoting greater deployment and use in the underserved San Joaquin Valley.

The San Joaquin Valley Regional Broadband Consortium was established by the Partnership to impact change in the lack of high-speed broadband infrastructure throughout the San Joaquin Valley, particularly in rural agricultural communities. This digital divide is a constraint on Ag industry technology advancements, economic development and more efficient and equitable delivery of social services, health care, workforce training, distance learning and digital literacy.

1. Access/Adoption
2. Public Infrastructure
3. AgTech
4. Telemedicine/Telehealth
5. Regional Consortia Networking
6. FirstNet

Access/Adoption

• OCED partnered with the California Public Utilities Commission to bring Internet adoption and digital literacy to rural communities across the 8-county region.
• Projects in progress provided the opportunity for more than 1,280 San Joaquin Valley residents to complete a nine-week Digital Literacy class.
• Received funding to facilitate new internet subscriptions via the Fresno State Call Center. *over 500 new adoptions were established.

See Full 2019 Report