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-- DRAFT -- 2025-2029 ConPlan & FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan Page 47 of 90 MA-60 Broadband Needs of Housing occupied by Low- and Moderate-Income Households - 91.210(a)(4), 91.310(a)(2) Describe the need for broadband wiring and connections for households, including low- and moderate- income households and neighborhoods. San Leandro is making significant strides to expand its broadband infrastructure to meet the needs of its residents, particularly those in low- and moderate-income households. The City plans to expand its fiber optic network with a budget of approximately half a million dollars, focusing on a key section of the City from Williams Street and Doolittle Drive, extending to Wicks Boulevard. This expansion is part of the second phase of the 2013 “Fiber Conduit for Broadband Network Project.” Additionally, the project will incorporate traffic signals into the fiber loop along Doolittle Drive, further enhancing the connectivity of the area. The expansion is funded by the ARPA, which aims to provide equitable access to high-speed broadband, especially benefiting communities that rely on the Internet for essential activities like job searches, education, and communication. According to statewide surveys, while 91% of California households have broadband, challenges remain, especially for low-income families, many of whom lost connectivity during the pandemic. Furthermore, a lack of devices, such as desktop computers or tablets, is a barrier for children in K-12 households who need them for schoolwork. In San Leandro, 17 affordable housing developments exist, with many built in the 1990s. These older properties often lack modern broadband infrastructure, such as in-unit Ethernet (Cat-6) wiring, limiting easy access to broadband providers. Even some newer developments, such as Marea Alta and La Vereda, do not feature this wiring. To bridge this gap, the City must prioritize broadband wiring projects for affordable housing. By upgrading these developments with modern broadband wiring, multiple providers can compete to service the buildings, driving down costs for residents and offering more options for internet service. Describe the need for increased competition by having more than one broadband Internet service provider serve the jurisdiction. Broadband competition in San Leandro is relatively robust, with 23 internet service providers operating in the City, seven of which provide residential service. According to the City’s Fiber Optics Master Plan, San Leandro is the 23rd most connected City in California, which reflects a positive level of connectivity across the City. However, this competition is not evenly distributed, especially when it comes to affordable broadband options. The Fiber Master Plan notes that 22% of households in San Leandro lack a broadband service subscription, which suggests that affordability is a significant factor. While there is healthy overall competition among providers, affordable pricing for lower-income residents remains a challenge. To address this issue, the City needs to increase competition among broadband providers, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, to ensure more affordable and accessible options for all residents.