The initiative, which aims to bring internet connection to some of the city’s poorest households, was launched in 2016 but ramped up once the pandemic forced kids into distance learning.
The San José City Council also voted unanimously to amend the city’s contract with the California Emerging Technology Fund which is tasked with distibuting money donated to the digital inclusion effort. The contact change sets off a process that will ultimately divvy up nearly $63,000 raised for closing connectivity gaps. Some 139 laptops and 200 cell phones were also donated for this effort.