LATA Grant Secured for Coachella through the California Public Utilities Commission 

COACHELLA, Calif. (November 20, 2023) – The City of Coachella has secured a $234,000 Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) Grant as part of Riverside County’s Broadband Master Plan to assist in the planning and evaluation of feasibility for implementation of a network that seeks to lower broadband costs and increase network value for all stakeholders in the city. The need for this evaluation stemmed from the pandemic when access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband became a necessity for the community.

“There is a huge need for our community to have proper access to technology so they can actively utilize the digital tools now prevalent everywhere, for school and their daily lives,” said Mayor Steven Hernandez. “It’s important that underserved communities have the ability to stay up to speed with society, so they can both participate and contribute and not find themselves in a vulnerable position when technology becomes the primary way of staying connected to the world.”

Information gathered from this study will help City leaders understand the operational implications, important risk factors, and establish a realistic cost framework for developing and operating a City owned fiber optic infrastructure.  The primary strategic priorities identified by City leaders for this analysis include lowering costs, improving network speed and reliability, increasing competition, fostering economic development, and fixing the coverage gaps that exist in the City.

“The City of Coachella staff recognizes that expanding digital services to our residents makes the need for fast, affordable and reliable internet essential in order for them to better access those online resources,” stated Jason Stevens, IT Director. “We feel that an expansive Broadband Master Plan will help us toward our goal in providing the most affordable and equitable digital access to our residents and community.”