Long Beach: City Launches Internet Service Enrollment Line
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has taken a major step towards bridging the digital divide with the launch of their new Internet Service Enrollment Line. This hotline and digital inclusion resource is designed to connect residents with low-cost internet services, providing them with vital access to resources such as jobs and telehealth.

The Internet Service Enrollment Line is a statewide initiative powered by the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), an organization dedicated to addressing the digital divide through partnerships and public policy. Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the importance of digital inclusion in promoting economic empowerment and creating a thriving community.

"This hotline is a critical resource that not only gets more of our community members connected to vital, low-cost internet services - it promotes digital equity in Long Beach," said Mayor Richardson.

The hotline is staffed by digital inclusion navigators who are trained to assist callers from start to finish in enrolling for low-cost internet services. Customer service is a top priority, with representatives being coached and monitored daily. The CETF partners with community-based organizations to provide staff for the hotline.

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Residents who are eligible for low-cost internet services are encouraged to call the toll-free number at 844.321.4472. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with voicemail available 24/7.

To ensure accessibility for all residents, navigators are available to assist callers in English, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog.

Lea Eriksen, Director of the Technology and Innovation Department, expressed her pride in the city's efforts towards bridging the digital divide.

"I am proud of our efforts to bridge the digital divide in Long Beach by continuously expanding the digital resources and services available to residents," said Eriksen.

Eligibility for low-cost internet services is dependent on enrollment in at least one of the following programs: Cal Fresh, Lifeline, Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security (SSI), NSLP (Free or Reduced School Lunch Program), and/or Pell Grant.

This initiative aligns with the City's 2030 Strategic Vision goal of supporting the expansion of programs and public-private partnerships dedicated to internet access, hardware acquisition, and digital literacy training for low-income households.

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The Internet Service Enrollment Line also falls in line with the City Council-approved Digital Inclusion Roadmap, which aims to provide low-cost, high-speed internet services for community members at home. The roadmap includes a vision statement, goals, objectives, and strategies through a collective impact approach and equity lens in three focus areas: capacity, connectivity, and technology.

The City is encouraging residents, community organizations, and local businesses to take advantage of this new resource and share it with their networks. For more information on other local digital inclusion resources, residents can call the Office of Digital Equity and Inclusion during regular city business hours or explore the Digital Inclusion Resources Asset Map - a dynamic map highlighting local resources and programs focused on addressing the digital divide.

To learn more about Long Beach's Digital Inclusion Initiative and Roadmap, visit longbeach.gov/digitalinclusion. With this new hotline in place, Long Beach is taking a significant step towards creating a more digitally inclusive community for all its residents.

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