Title
Receive a presentation from AT&T on Connect America Fund Phase II funding to provide broadband and voice service access to rural communities in Monterey County.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Receive a presentation from AT&T on Connect America Fund Phase II funding to provide broadband and voice service access to rural communities in Monterey County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted comprehensive reforms of its Universal Service Fund and Intercarrier Compensation systems to accelerate broadband build-out to the approximately 23 million Americans who lack access to infrastructure capable of providing 10/1 Mbps fixed broadband services. Federal subsidies for broadband services build out are now available through the Connect America Fund - Phase II.
AT&T accepted approximately $427 million per year in Connect America Fund - Phase II funds to support the deployment, maintenance and Internet access and voice service in FCC-identified unserved areas.
AT&T indicates that Monterey County is eligible to receive a portion of this allocation as there are FCC-identified unserved areas within the County. AT&T anticipates that use of Connect America Fund - Phase II funds in Monterey County will bring the benefits of high-speed Internet to rural communities in the County that currently lack Internet and voice services. Its presentation will discuss its plans for broadband services expansion in the County and will ask for County assistance in permitting and other activities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the County Administrative Office have reviewed AT&T’s presentation.
FINANCING:
Receiving a presentation from AT&T on the Connect America Fund - Phase II broadband expansion will have no impact on the County General Fund.
Prepared by: Sandra Shaffer, Management Analyst III, 759-6957
Approved by:
________________________________________________________
Eric Chatham, Interim Director of Information Technology, 759-6920
Attachment: AT&T Power Point Presentation