Nereida Moreno
It can be difficult to navigate life in Los Angeles without a smartphone or access to a strong Wi-Fi connection, especially since the pandemic deepened our reliance on technology. Yet thousands of Angelenos remain disconnected from the digital world, making it challenging to access social services, apply for jobs and schedule medical appointments. I help residents navigate the digital divide, and explore what happens when large tech companies monopolize — but don’t democratize — internet access in Southern California.
I grew up in San Bernardino and began my career as a breaking news reporter for the Southern California News Group. Then I moved to Chicago, where I got my start in public radio at NPR affiliate WBEZ. I helped launch a daily news talk show and covered Chicago Public Schools and youth culture for the education desk.
Now that I’m back in SoCal, I plan to spend most of my free time scouting local music venues and eating tacos.
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The federal Affordable Connectivity Program will stop accepting new applications by Feb. 7 unless Congress votes to extend funding. -
California's Broadband For All has already been allocated $6 billion; the extra money in governor newly released budget would be used to build the necessary infrastructure to connect more homes and businesses.
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Advocates say the internet is essential for modern living and should be treated as a human and civil right, like electricity and water.
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It’s part of the Newsom Administration’s $6 billion effort to close the digital divide.
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This comes a month after the FCC adopted new rules to stop broadband providers from discriminating against customers based on race, religion and income.
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It’s part of the Delete the Divide initiative, which targets low-income communities where more than 20% of households lack internet.
