News Summary
Los Angeles has introduced the Crenshaw Community Connectivity Pilot, providing free internet access in the Crenshaw Corridor. Announced through a partnership with Cisco and nonprofits, the initiative aims to close the digital divide for low-income families and minorities, enhancing connectivity in anticipation of major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympic Games. The project has laid underground fiber optic cables and aims to support economic growth and educational opportunities within underserved communities.
Los Angeles has officially launched the Crenshaw Community Connectivity Pilot, an initiative aimed at providing free internet access in the Crenshaw Corridor of South LA. The program was announced on October 23, 2025, through a partnership between the City of Los Angeles, Cisco, and various nonprofit organizations, including Destination Crenshaw, the California Community Foundation, and Digital Equity LA.
This initiative seeks to address significant gaps in internet access and enhance public infrastructure in anticipation of major events that Los Angeles will host, such as the FIFA World Cup 26, Super Bowl LXI, and the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games. With accurate data revealing that 15% of Angelenos live in households without broadband subscriptions—disproportionately impacting low-income families and minorities—this initiative plays a critical role in bridging the digital divide.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need for reliable, high-speed internet, stating that every resident deserves access to these resources. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson also highlighted the project’s significance, referring to it as an act of “digital justice” that underscores the essential role of secure internet access in facilitating democratic participation.
As part of the Crenshaw Community Connectivity Pilot, the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting has laid down 1.5 miles of underground fiber optic cable that connects Leimert Park Plaza to the Hyde Park Metro Station. Cisco has further enhanced the network by deploying cloud-managed outdoor access points and utilizing “Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul” technology over existing city-owned street lighting assets. This advanced setup will benefit local residents, businesses, and visitors in the neighborhoods of Crenshaw, Hyde Park, Park Mesa, and Leimert Park.
The initiative is also aimed at expanding educational and economic opportunities for the community. Cisco’s Senior Vice President for U.S. Public Sector, Gary DePreta, noted that increased internet access can lead to greater educational and job opportunities, effectively uplifting underserved neighborhoods within the city. Additionally, local artists and small business owners are expected to reap benefits from this initiative, as enhanced connectivity can foster economic growth in the area.
In terms of future potential, the infrastructure developed through the Crenshaw Community Connectivity Pilot is designed to support smart city applications. These may include improvements in data-driven traffic management, public safety enhancements, and more effective emergency responses, making the community more resilient and responsive to the needs of its residents.
This initiative serves as a model for other cities striving to address digital inequities by fostering collaboration between government entities, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners. By working together, these stakeholders aim to create a more inclusive technological landscape that benefits all residents.
The Crenshaw Community Connectivity Pilot reflects Los Angeles’ commitment to promoting digital equity and supporting the ongoing development of public infrastructure in underserved communities. By extending free Wi-Fi access to key public spaces in South LA, this initiative not only enhances connectivity but also contributes to the overall improvement of community life in the area.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: City of Los Angeles Launches Crenshaw Connected Free Wi-Fi Service
- Wikipedia: Internet Access
- Smart Cities Dive: LA Free Public Wi-Fi in Crenshaw Corridor
- Google Search: Crenshaw Community Connectivity Pilot
- My News LA: South LA Neighborhoods Receive Free Wi-Fi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Digital Divide
- CNET: Best Internet Providers in Los Angeles, CA
- Google News: Los Angeles Free Wi-Fi
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
