Kingsoft received tens of millions of investments to expand broadband networks in three places
On October 23, the Chinese American Alliance (CAA) announced a significant investment of $10 million aimed at expanding broadband access in under-served communities in San Francisco. This funding will primarily benefit neighborhoods including Chinatown, Bayview, and Tenderloin.
The investment is part of a larger $32 million initiative from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) designed to enhance internet coverage across Fremont, Oakland, and San Francisco, with San Francisco receiving the $10 million allocation specifically.
Research shows that neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Tenderloin, Bayview, and Hunters Point have historically lagged behind in internet availability, with very limited fiber optic infrastructure.
Annie Lee, Policy Director at CAA, mentioned, “Earlier this year, we released a research report highlighting the lack of affordable and reliable internet options in Chinatown.”
San Francisco City Supervisor Aaron Peskin stated, “My office provided $200,000 in seed funding for this pilot project to explore the possibility of offering free internet service to residents in one of our most densely populated and historically rich communities. We greatly appreciate the continued support from the California Public Utilities Commission.”
Dean Preston, City Supervisor representing Tenderloin, emphasized, “Access to high-speed internet is especially crucial for our most vulnerable populations.”
Shamann Walton, City Supervisor for Bayview, added, “For too long, our community has suffered from digital redlining. Low-income neighborhoods, particularly those comprised of people of color, have been unable to access the necessary infrastructure for high-speed internet. This funding represents a critical step toward addressing these inequities and ensuring that Bayview has the digital tools needed to thrive in today’s world.”
The investment is set to benefit approximately 37,789 residents across Chinatown, Tenderloin, and Bayview, providing service to 434 underserved locations. The primary goal in Chinatown is to extend broadband services to local SROs (single room occupancy). The “last mile” fiber infrastructure will offer consumers service speeds of up to one gigabit per second.
San Francisco has committed to maintaining the pricing of this broadband service for at least 10 years, along with offering low-cost plans to ensure accessibility for all residents.
