Riverside County Launches New Program to Promote Digital Inclusion

Riverside County aims to reduce the barriers many residents face getting online by launching a Mobile Tech Hub Program to serve residents in the Fifth District as part of a digital inclusion strategy. The initiative, led by Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, is funded with $1.1 million from the district’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.

“Many of our residents need extended access to reliable internet and support navigating technology,” said Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “The Mobile Tech Hub program will bring critical resources directly to the communities that need them most, helping to close the digital divide and improve access to online services.”

The Mobile Tech Hubs will serve as portable Wi-Fi hotspots, provide digital literacy training, and IT support to eligible populations. These services will help residents connect online, update their devices, and troubleshoot software and hardware issues. The program's goal is to meet residents where they are, providing access to the internet, computers, and training to develop skills needed to navigate the digital landscape.

Riverside County’s broader digital inclusion plan aims to close existing gaps in broadband services and address the technological needs of its resident, which became evident during the pandemic. The plan outlines three key goals to achieve this:

1. Partnering with Internet service providers (ISPs) to install high-speed gigabit fiber optic broadband service in underserved and unserved communities throughout the county.
2. Assisting residents in connecting with affordable home internet services.
3. Implementing a digital inclusion program that offers digital literacy training, IT support and digital navigation services to help residents connect with online services.

The Mobile Tech Hub program is expected to serve 2,000 to 3,000 residents annually. It will be staffed by IT and digital equity professionals who will provide tech support, assist with signing up for low-cost internet plans, and offer training to update and repair computers.

“Bridging the digital divide is not just about building infrastructure but also about ensuring every resident has the tools and knowledge to participate fully in the online environment,” said Tom Mullen, director of Broadband Services for Riverside County Information Technology. “This initiative represents a significant step forward in our commitment to digital inclusion.”

For more information, please visit RivCoConnect.org.