Title
Consider the report outlined below, in response to Board Referral No. 2020.25 to support collaborative efforts to address the digital divide in partnership with local school districts, cities, the County of Monterey, and community partners to address the digital divide for our local students and all other county residents, and to advocate for solutions at the state and federal level.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive the report outlined below in response to Board Referral No. 2020.25.
b. Provide directions on the next steps regarding this referral based on Monterey County IT department (ITD)'s recommendations:
1) Request Board to consider this referral being completed.
2) ITD will report to Board quarterly on the community broadband project progress through its presentation on Board referral #2021.08 on broadband JPA.
3) Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
ITD received Board referral #2020.25 on Sept. 6, 2020 to support collaborative efforts to address the digital divide in partnership with local school districts, cities, the County of Monterey, and community partners to address the digital divide for our local students and all other county residents, and to advocate for solutions at the state and federal level. Specifically, ITD was asked to:
1. Support collaborative efforts to address the digital divide in partnership with local schools, cities, and community partners.
2. Advocate with FCC to regulate broadband access as a utility.
3. Request and sponsor legislation for a universal broadband bond to be placed on the 2022 election ballot.
4. Conduct a county-wide community survey on digital divide and affordable internet service.
This report summarizes ITD's effort in response to the Board referral.
ANALYSIS:
Background:
Monterey County has a serious digital divide problem and a recent photo of two little girls outside a fast-food restaurant in East Salinas has brought national a...
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