Topline:

More than ever, people need internet access for shopping, engaging with local government and other everyday services. This quick guide from LAist tells you all the different ways you can get online and improve your digital literacy skills.

Why? At least 3.5 million residents across Southern California don’t have quality, reliable internet access. Some organizations are trying to bridge the divide.

Read on … for ways to find affordable and reliable internet near you.

This quick guide to getting online in L.A. County is from the LAist newsroom at Southern California Public Radio. We are SoCal’s largest NPR station.

NEED HELP GETTING ONLINE?

Many essential things today have moved online, from government services to shopping. But what happens if you don’t have the internet at home? Maybe it’s slow and expensive? Or you don’t know what to do once you’re on?

If you’ve encountered hurdles like these, you’re not alone. Across Southern California, 3.5 million residents don’t have access to reliable internet at home.

To help you, LAist has put together a bunch of different resources to get you online.

Free internet access:L.A. County libraries: free Wi-Fi at all libraries.City of L.A. libraries: free Wi-Fi at all libraries.City of L.A. locations: (Look for Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi)Pershing SquareGriffith ObservatoryEcho Park LakeReseda ParkVenice BeachCabrillo Beach
Low-cost internet access:

Human-I-T

Low-cost internet plans starting at $14.99 per monthAffordable mobile hot spot option 

More info: (888) 268-3921 or vis3it the website.

Coming soon:

Affordable high-speed broadband service under construction in South L.A., East L.A. and Boyle Heights

Plans will be as low as $25 per month for unlimited data and no contract 

More info:
East L.A./Boyle Heights, visit the website.
South L.A., go to this site.

Low-cost laptops:

Human-I-T

Basic Chrome laptops as low as $129Refurbished Apple laptops as low as $799.99Refurbished Windows laptops as low as $259.99

More info: (888) 268-3921 or visit the website.

L.A. County libraries:

All 85 branches offer laptop loansSome for two-hour use on-site, some to take home for up to six weeksMobile hotspots also are available

More info: Ask at your local branch. You can also visit this website for laptop info, and this website for more tech resources.

For more support, reach out to your local county library. Find your nearest location here.

L.A. City libraries:

25 branches offer the Tech2go programMobile hotspot, Chromebook and mouse available to borrow for up to six months 

More info: Ask at your local branch or go to https://www.lapl.org/tech2go.

Digital training:

Free digital skills training: Learn Basic Tech

Free beginner digital skills training for computers, smartphones, email and moreFree advanced digital skills training for AI and Excel, among others Courses are online and in person

More info, email info@learnbasictech.org or visit the website.

Free digital skills training and after-school classes for children and youth: Bell Tech Center

Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC), 4357 E. Gage Ave., Bell

More info: (323) 585 4579 or visit the website.

Free digital skills training in English and Spanish: Human-I-T

Free bilingual one-on-one tech support: 

More info: (888) 268-3921 or visit the website in English and Spanish.

Free digital skills classes for seniors: Bridge the Digital Divide

Skills training, devices and other resources: EveryoneOn