AB 470 will help close California’s digital divide

OPINION – In its 116-year existence, the NAACP has adapted to changing times and shifted priorities when necessary. But one thing has remained true: our commitment to fighting for political, educational and social equality for everyone. That is why we are proud to support AB 470, a bill moving through the California State Legislature that will help close the state’s digital divide and establish more high-speed connectivity to California’s communications network.

For Black and Brown Californians, the digital divide is a reflection of systemic inequities that persist across education, health care, and economic opportunity. Too many of our students struggle with remote learning, elders are cut off from telehealth, and working families can’t afford reliable internet. As we push for racial justice, we must also fight for digital equity.

All Californians deserve reliable, fast and affordable communications options – but the reality is that access remains unequal.. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 41% of low-income households still do not have access to both the internet and a device for educational purposes. Among Black households, that figure stands at 29%.

We need solutions that update the state’s communications delivery system to help all communities access a more updated network, placing investments in projects that benefit everyone. Thankfully, AB 470 is that solution.

AB 470 will modernize state law and encourage investments for high-speed connectivity, helping to strengthen and expand California’s communications network, ensuring no one is left behind.

The truth is, parts of California’s communications infrastructure are woefully outdated. Aging copper landlines are increasingly being abandoned by consumers who require more modern solutions. Since 2000, consumers have overwhelmingly moved away from using Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines such that California’s largest landline provider has seen a 96% decrease in subscribers for this specific services. These networks, nearly 150 years old, are no longer viable, but still require significant costs year over year to maintain for a very small number of Californians. In fact, many manufacturers no longer produce copper components, and service restoration for this antiquated system can take weeks or longer, leaving residents isolated and without reliable communication.

After a century and a half, it is time for lawmakers to invest in policies that ensure all Californians have modern, high-speed wireless and wired services and chart a meaningful transition plan for all. This is not just about technology; it’s about ensuring that no one is excluded from the digital world.

The digital divide is not just a technological issue—it is a civil rights issue. We’ve made significant strides in connecting Californians to the internet, but there’s more work to be done.

From education to healthcare, reliable digital access is essential for participation in today’s society. Ensuring that every Californian – regardless of race, income, or geography – has access to fast, reliable wireless and broadband services will empower communities, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.

For Black and Brown Californians, improved connectivity supports online research, virtual learning, job access, telehealth, and community organizing. It also means we can engage in democracy more fully and lift up our voices in the places where decisions are made. AB 470 will help bridge these gaps and ensure Black Californians are not left behind in the digital age.

At the same time, we must acknowledge that affordability remains a serious concern for working Black families. Traditional copper home phone service costs more than $80 per month–despite offering outdated and less reliable service. In contrast, modern internet-based phone and wireless services cost between $30 to $45 monthly and offer texting, video calls, and high speed internet access.

Too many Californians–especially in underserved and underinvested communities–remain disconnected from opportunity. AB 470 is a necessary step toward closing the gap and ensuring every Californian, particularly those in Black and Brown communities, can access modern, affordable, and reliable digital tools.

We urge our state legislators to join the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference in supporting AB 470 and standing up for digital equity across California.

Rick L. Callender is President of the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference and a member of the NAACP board of directors who has served on the organization’s Resolutions Committee for more than 20 years.