Imagine a family of five sharing one cellphone to access the Internet. Or children within the same household ranging from elementary to high school, sharing one computer and Internet connection for online learning? The pandemic has shown us that the Digital Divide still exists and persists for those with low incomes, including many seniors. While progress has been made, Pew Research reports that 35% of US households with school children and incomes at or below $30,000 still lack Internet access.  The video above, a partnership between Sprint and Soul Pancake, gives a clear example of how being in the  Homework Gap can not only impact student achievement but also their self-esteem.

We at the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) believe that Internet access is no longer a luxury, but a 21st century right. We ask that you join us by signing this petition in support of a Digital Equity Bill of Rights.

To ensure Digital Equity for all, residents have the right to:

1. Broadband that is Sufficient and Reliable.
2. Broadband that is Ubiquitous.
3. Broadband that is Affordable.
4. Broadband that Provides Educational Opportunities and Supports Digital Skills Proficiency.
5. Broadband that Ensures Public Safety and Maintains Peace of Mind.
6. Broadband that Improves Quality of Life.
7. Broadband that Supports Economic Prosperity.
8. Broadband that Attracts Capital Investment.
9. Broadband that Supports Innovation and Research.
10. Broadband that Empowers and Enables Participation in the Democracy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the Digital Divide and laid bare the widespread inequities that demand immediate action to accelerate the deployment and adoption of broadband.” Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology makes it clear. 

Help make it happen by signing and sharing the petition, and let our collective voices be heard by legislators and leaders of Internet Service Providers and telecommunications companies today! We need Internet For All Now.