Title
a. Receive a broadband progress report from the Chief Information Officer; and
b. Provide further direction as appropriate. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a broadband progress report from the Chief Information Officer; and
b. Provide further direction as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The term "digital divide" is often used in reference to regions of the County that are rural and remote and lacking services. This term is also used in discussing urban residents who cannot afford internet service plans or devices, do not have reliable service, lack digital literacy, and/or are not apprised of programs that will help offset the rising costs of broadband.
The County's objective to ensure digital equity and close the digital divide is implemented through strategic initiatives that address negative impacts on the health, welfare, and social outcomes of residents lacking reliable broadband services at a reasonable cost.
This progress report summarizes the following activities that support digital equity and make a positive impact on the digital divide:
1) The County of Monterey, as part of the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GSFA to develop a strategic plan for broadband expansion in 2021. The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) will manage the RFP process and vendor engagement. County engagement once vendor is chosen will begin in January 2023 with a project completion at the end of 2023.
2) The Information Technology Department (ITD) provided input on finalizing the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement, creating the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority JPA. This agreement enabled the cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, and King City to partner with the County of Monterey to collaborate in extending broadband services to rural regions of the county.
3) The ITD Radio Communications team facilit...
Click here for full text