Jinshan Chinatown receives 10 million yuan to expand broadband network

San Francisco’s Chinatown is set to receive a significant funding boost for broadband network expansion. On October 22, the Chinese Community Development Center announced a major investment totaling $10 million aimed at providing much-needed broadband services to the community. This funding comes from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and will be allocated to three underserved neighborhoods in San Francisco: Chinatown, Bayview, and Tenderloin. These areas have long faced challenges with internet access, particularly exacerbated by the effects of digital redlining.

According to the initiative, a substantial portion of this funding will be directed toward Chinatown. This investment is especially crucial for residents of Chinatown and other benefiting communities like Bayview and Tenderloin, who have been significantly impacted by digital redlining policies. Such policies have historically excluded low-income and communities of color from infrastructure development, leaving them without access to essential services like high-speed internet.

Chinatown, one of San Francisco’s most historically significant neighborhoods, has been hindered by inadequate internet infrastructure, limiting opportunities for both local residents and small businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these challenges, as the lack of high-speed internet created barriers to online learning for students, remote work for residents, and e-commerce for businesses. Given the community’s large senior population, many of whom rely on online services for information and healthcare support, this broadband expansion project is particularly vital.

Annie Lee, Policy Director at the Chinese Community Development Center, stated, “This funding isn’t just about expanding internet access; it is about providing residents with a crucial link to the outside world and helping to bridge the digital divide.”

Low-income communities like Chinatown are often overlooked by mainstream internet service providers due to digital redlining policies. These policies not only contribute to inadequate internet access but also perpetuate economic and social inequalities. In today’s society, internet connectivity is an essential service, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and employment.

City Supervisor Aaron Peskin emphasized the importance of equitable infrastructure services across all of San Francisco’s communities, stating that this is not just a technical issue, but a matter of social justice. “With this investment, we are taking concrete steps to rectify past inequalities.”

The Budget and Appropriations Committee will continue discussions on the specifics of the project and plans to push for its implementation in the coming months to ensure that the funds are allocated and used effectively.

For residents of Chinatown, Bayview, and Tenderloin, this broadband expansion project represents a significant milestone in addressing long-standing issues of internet access. It is not only poised to help close the digital divide but also to support broader economic development and social justice initiatives in San Francisco.