Prioritize Allocation of Funding and Staff Resources

Coordinate Community and Private Sector Partners

Negotiate Cable Franchise Agreements

Permit Access to Public Rights of Way

Executive and Legislative Officals

Role of Municipal Partners in

Addressing the Digital Divide

Subsidized Internet Service and Device Programs

Digital Literacy Training

Public Computer Labs

School Districts, Libraries, & Community Partners

Role of Municipal Partners in

Addressing the Digital Divide

Public WiFi

Municipal Fiber Networks

Local Data Centers

IT / Planning Departments

Role of Municipal Partners in

Addressing the Digital Divide

Three Determining Factors of Digital Access

Connection

Adequate Device

Literacy

Fast​

Affordable​

Router​

Personal Computer /Laptop

Use of Technology​

Ensuring functioning equipment​

Evaluating quality of information and privacy risks​

Connection 

Is it Fast?

30 – 40%
of households in Everett with internet access do not have "broadband" speeds​

Speed Sources: MLab, Microsoft US Broadband Usage, Demographic Source:  US Census ACS 5 Year, 2019

"I live in a 40 unit mid-rise and am told by the internet provider that most of the issues are because the wiring in the building is old.  The provider says it's not their problem. We have interruptions all the time, no notice, residents just start calling each other to see if they have wi-fi. Could be down for hours. I work from home and it's a real issue for me."

Is it Reliable?

Connection in Everett

~2,565 (15.8%)
Everett households lack internet service.​

62%
of survey respondents do not believe their internet service is affordable.

64%
of survey respondents have had to cancel or change their internet subscription because it is too expensive​

Speed Sources: MLab, Microsoft US Broadband Usage, Demographic Source:  US Census ACS 5 Year, 2019

"Necesitamos que el costo del internet sea mas justo

-

We need the cost of the internet to be fairer"

Devices in Everett

How accessible are devices?

33%
of survey respondents disagree with "People in my household always have access to a computer if needed."

About 65%
of Everett households with internet lease a router from their service provider

Device Source, Computers: US Census ACS 5 Year, 2019.  Device Source, Routers:  MAPC Survey - 5/26/21, Everett School District

"Our internet speed greatly improved after we bought our own router; the routers provided by our provider don't seem to be very good"

At least 326
Everett School District families may be relying on T-mobile hotspots for internet service

Digital Literacy in Everett

Using Technology

~82%
of survey respondents agree with "I feel confident in my ability to use a computer/laptop/Chromebook

~52%
of survey respondents agree with "I feel confident that I am able to resolve issues related to my internet connection"

Anecdotal information gleaned from stakeholder conversations indicates that there are serious concerns related to privacy, particularly among the immigrant population

Source:  MAPC Survey - 5/26/21

Comcast's Fiber Network In Everett

Let's Zoom In

Fiber

Cable

Lines

Cable

Data exchange with Internet Service Providers will allow the school district to fully understand which households do not and can not be served by a wired connection.

DESE / Education Superhighway Bridge to Broadband Program

Draft Connection Recommendations

Funding available to deploy WiFi service in and near public properties.  Could be used to create the infrastructure needed for a larger community wide WiFi network.

Mass Broadband Institute Gateway City WiFi Grant

Confirm participation by Everett School District

Work with MAPC to develop program deployment

Release an RFI for Municipal Rooftop Use

Rooftops of municipal buildings could be leveraged by internet service providers like Starry and Netblazer to provide competitive options.

Inventory and RFP municipal roofs, focusing on tall or elevated properties

Next Steps

Draft Connection Recommendations

Understanding the options for Everett to facilitate investments in broadband infrastructure will be a critical next step to improving competition and service.

Explore Municipal Infrastructure Investments

Work with a consultant to evaluate technology options and required funding

Release an RFI for "Last Mile" Fiber Connections

Bringing fiber connections into residential buildings will improve speed and reliability for property tenants.

Review fiber maps and ID priority areas of Everett

Next Steps

Embed at least one Tech Goes Home instructor in every school and library in the City.  Ensure courses are offered in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and other community languages.

Brand Everett as a "Tech Goes Home" Community

Draft Literacy Recommendations

Digital Navigators can be embedded in municipal offices, healthcare facilities, schools, or other CBO's to provide direct technology and resource support to the community.

Respond to Digital Navigators RFI

Adopt brand as policy and assess funding requirements.

Coordinate a response to forthcoming MAPC RFI

Reposition Everett Community TV as a Digital Resource Hub

ECTV could leverage its existing equipment, knowledge, and space for digital content production and skill development.

Establish a community advisory board to develop a strategic plan for ECTV

Next Steps

The Emergency Connectivity Fund assists schools and libraries purchase technology equipment and internet service.  Funds should be leveraged to supporting wired connections whenever possible.

Apply for and Distribute Emergency Connectivity Fund Resources

Draft Device Recommendations

A Digital Equity Trust would be a sustained funding source to assist residents purchase devices such as PC's or routers, as well as internet subscriptions when subsidies are unavailable.

Establish a Digital Equity Trust Fund

Submit ECF applications from School District and Library

Establish a trust through legislative action.

Support the Creation of a Tech Refurbishment Center

A Tech Refurbishment program would divert e-waste, enable skill-building, and provide low-cost options for devices in the community.

Coordinate with private sector partners, Everett School District, and Workforce Board

Next Steps