“Share Your Internet Story” Campaign

CADE has launched a statewide campaign to collect stories from residents about their lived experiences with internet access and affordability problems. Although years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst to address the digital divide, historically disadvantaged communities across the state remain disproportionately disconnected to the internet. By sharing these residents’ stories with decisionmakers, we can show them that more needs to be done to ensure every Californian has reliable, affordable broadband.

Our Goals
  1. To collect real-world stories about how unreliable internet access creates daily hardships.
  2. To share Californians’ experiences with state legislators and regulators as they make decisions about policies relating to internet connectivity.
  3. To push for concrete solutions that are guided by the lived-experiences of residents and improve broadband access.

“If I could talk to the people who make decisions about internet prices and services, I would want them to know that internet access is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. So many aspects of daily life, from work and education to healthcare and staying connected with loved ones, depend on being online. High costs and unreliable service create real barriers for people who are already trying to manage tight budgets. I would ask them to consider how pricing and access impact families like mine, and to work toward making the internet more affordable, reliable, and accessible for everyone regardless of income or location.” – California Resident

Why Stories Matter

Access to affordable, reliable internet depends on your zip code, limiting residents’ ability to apply for jobs, receive live-saving care, and get an education.

Roughly 1 in 5 households are not connected to broadband in California.

Low-income & historically disadvantaged communities often pay more for worse internet.

The average monthly internet bill in California is $95, making access too expensive for many.

By sharing stories that highlight these problems, we will make sure decisionmakers are aware that internet access issues persist and are worsening quality of life in California.

“I have experienced slow speeds and even complete outages when I needed to be online the most. These issues made it harder to receive emergency alerts, access important information, or check in with loved ones. It’s frustrating and even scary when you feel cut off, especially when reliable information and communication are critical. These experiences have shown me just how essential a strong and stable internet connection really is.” – California Resident

Your Voice Matters:

Tell your internet story!

Do you struggle to connect to the internet because of high costs, slow speeds, or lack of service in your community? You are not alone!

Help us ensure every California community is connected by sharing your story.

All stories will be anonymous unless you choose to share your name.

Share Your Story

Spread the Word

Interested in helping CADE promote this campaign? Get in touch by contacting us at [email protected].