Community leaders join state to bring ubiquitous broadband to the San Joaquin Valley

Under the guidance of the San Joaquin Regional Broadband Consortium (SJVRBC), and with support from the California Emerging Technology Fund, the #SanJoaquinValleyNetwork initiative's goal is to bring ubiquitous broadband to the eight counties that compromise the San Joaquin Valley, among the most underserved regions of the state and underestimated in ability to lead and drive change. The San Joaquin Valley counties will be organizing and planning under the auspices of SJVRBC to obtain the maximum amount of financial assistance to implement the goals of #SanJoaquinValleyNetwork. Billions of dollars in California and across the country will be invested in deploying internet infrastructure to rural, tribal, and urban neighborhoods in poverty. Construction of publicly subsidized, open-access middle-mile infrastructure that includes last-mile deployment achieves the best of both objectives — ensuring immediate internet access for businesses and residents. That’s why business, education and civic leaders throughout the San Joaquin Valley are applauding this effort. #SanJoaquinValleyNetwork will begin applying for federal and state dollars to realize our goal, bringing broadband to the Valley in a year.

[Dr. Frank Gornick is the project manager of the #SanJoaquinValleyNetwork.]