SUMMARY:

The Devices Task Force held its first meeting on June 1, 2021, and included representatives from multiple sectors interested in resolving the digital divide in the Los Angeles County region. Task force members had a fruitful discussion around priority areas to focus on at future convenings. All members had the opportunity to provide feedback through discussion, chat-box, or by responding to questions via a jam board. The jam board was a very productive tool and generated about 60 sticky note comments, suggestions, or inquiries.

Here are the key themes from the discussion on devices:

1. Principal issues concerning devices

2. Cost

3. Affordability

4. Owned versus loaned

5. Tech support

6. Performance and durability

7. Community awareness of available resources

8. Challenges for device deployment:

9. Cost

10. Supply availability and chip shortages

11. Broadband infrastructure

12. Software

13. Cybersecurity

14. Trust

15. Device literacy (MAC versus PC)

16. Difference between devices depending on the maker:

17. Software installation

18. Hardware and specifications – Build an “MVD” profile (minimal viable device)

The suggested breakout subtopic considerations are presented given the initial feedback from task force members:

1. Matching the device to the right user

2. Deployment of device

3. Technical support

4. Cybersecurity

The devices task force will meet virtually monthly and includes health, nonprofit, education, business, city municipalities, and internet service providers. To learn more, visit: ladeal.org/events.

Updated: Sep 2, 2021