LA DEAL advanced a coordinated policy and partnership strategy in the first quarter of 2026 to expand broadband access and strengthen digital equity across Los Angeles County. This work included engagement in state regulatory proceedings, federal funding discussions and direct collaboration with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to improve key broadband programs, ensuring underserved communities have access to reliable, high-speed internet.

In February, LA DEAL engaged with the California Emerging Technology Fund and the CPUC to raise concerns about the proposed merger between Charter Communications (Spectrum) and Cox Communications. Through public hearings in East Los Angeles and formal comments, the team highlighted persistent issues with Spectrum's service quality and reliability. Community feedback consistently shows that lower-cost broadband plans fail to provide sufficient speeds for multiple users working or learning simultaneously—creating a significant barrier to adoption in low-income households. Given these concerns, LA DEAL emphasized the need for a strong Community Benefits Agreement to ensure the merger delivers meaningful protections and investments for vulnerable communities.

On Feb. 11, LA DEAL also provided comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) during its initial listening session on BEAD non-deployment funding. The team emphasized the importance of investing in long-term digital inclusion ecosystems rather than isolated programmatic efforts—an approach highlighted by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, which quoted LA DEAL's Director of Digital Equity, Liliana Aide Monge, advocating for resources that "help broadband stakeholders build ecosystems within our communities, not just fund specific inclusion activities." LA DEAL also expressed interest in serving as a regional intermediary to better align digital adoption investments with ongoing infrastructure deployment.

Additionally, LA DEAL met with CPUC leadership, including Karen Douglas and Belen Diaz-Torres, to discuss opportunities to strengthen key California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) programs. These discussions focused on enhancing the Regional Broadband Consortia, Public Housing and Adoption accounts to improve broadband access and adoption for underserved Californians.

For more information, please reach out to Liliana Aide Monge, Director of Digital Equity, at [email protected].