Meeting II In Series of Regional Boradband Conversations

 

Meeting 6/30/21

 

Agenda

Welcome and Communications Update

Community Exchange Waterfall

ARPA Funding Breakdown

Principles for ARPA Spending

Digital Access Issues Explained

Potential ARPA Funded Uses

Meeting Goals

Clarify ARPA guidance regarding use for digital access / broadband

Outline principles and potential vehicles for ARPA spending

Organize stakeholder priorities as related to digital access and broadband

MAPC'sGoals

Support municipalities in acheiving their goals related to Digital Access

Advocating for State resources that will support municipal and community efforts to close the digital divide.

Developing purchasing vehicles for collective uses.

Communications Update:

 

Regional Digital Access Slack Channel

 

MAPC can provide a guest Slack account for use.

• Post updates, articles, data sources, insights.
• Allow for cross organizational sharing and coordination.
• Save inboxes and allow for ongoing conversations

 

Guidelines for the Slack Channel

• Be respectful
• Acknowledge different backgrounds and levels of familiarity with topic
• No pressure to participate!

Community Exchange Waterfall

POST IN THE CHAT!

 

   Update on Digital Access work​

 

Question for MAPC or others on the call regarding Digital Access or ARPA   ​

American Rescue Plan Funding Breakdown

ARP Allocations

 

Source: Brookings Institute

https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-american-rescue-plan-is-the-broadband-down-payment-the-country-needs/

ARP Guidance:

State and Local Allocations

• Support public health expenditures, by, funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, and certain public health and safety staff
• Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector
• Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic
• Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sector
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet

ARP Guidance:

State and Local Allocations

Broadband Infrastructure Guidance

"Infrastructure investments in areas that lack wireline connection that reliably delivers 25/3 service"

 

"Prioritize middle mile and last mile connections"

 

"Prioritize projects that use modern technology delivering 100/100 service"

 

"Recipients are encouraged to pursue fiber optic investments"

Demonstate COVID Impact

Source: US Treasury Fact Sheet, 5/10/21

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/SLFRP-Fact-Sheet-FINAL1-508A.pdf

ARP Guidance:

State and Local Allocations

Broadband Infrastructure Guidance - "Reliably"

 

 

"Treasury’s Interim Final Rule provides that investments in broadband be made in areas that are currently unserved or underserved... lacking a wireline connection that reliably delivers minimum speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload"

"The use of “reliably” ... provides recipients with significant discretion to assess whether the households and businesses have access to wireline broadband service that can actually and consistently meet the thresholds of at least 25Mbps/3Mbps—i.e., to consider the actual experience of current wireline broadband customers. Whether there is a provider serving the area that claims to offer speeds that meet the 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speed thresholds is not dispositive"

Sources:

Treasury FAQ, Updated 6/24/21

SLFRPFAQ.pdf (treasury.gov)

ARP Guidance:

State and Local Allocations

Digital Divide

 

 

"In view of the wide disparities in broadband access, assistance to households to support internet access or digital literacy is an eligible use to respond to the public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic, as detailed above."

"Recipients may use funds to provide assistance to households facing negative economic impacts due to Covid-19, including digital literacy training and other programs that promote access to the Internet."

Sources:

Treasury FAQ, Updated 6/24/21

SLFRPFAQ.pdf (treasury.gov)

 

ARP Guidance:

State and Local Allocations

Cybersecurity

 

 

"Recipients may also use funds for modernization of cybersecurity, including hardware, software, and protection of critical infrastructure, as part of provision of government services up to the amount of revenue lost due to the public health emergency."

Sources:

Treasury FAQ, Updated 6/24/21

SLFRPFAQ.pdf (treasury.gov)

ARP Summary

Infrastructure investments in areas that are underserved by reliable high speed internet.

Cybersecurity

Offset Tax Reduction

Pensions

Debt Service

Digital literacy and connectivity programs

Stabilization Funds

Other demonstrate disproportionate COVID impact

Guiding Principles for State and Local Government

DRAFT Principles for Local Government

Remove affordability and adoption barriers that prevent universal access to reliable and high speed internet.

Ensure all residents who desire to improve their digital / technology literacy have a pathway to educational opportunities at a range of skill levels, offered in community appropriate languages and settings.

Augment the capacity of key stakeholders such as IT Departments, School Districts, Libraries, Community based organizations, and municipal staff to address the digital divide

Promote competition among internet service providers offering broadband service.

Recognize the importance of proactively investing in cybersecurity measures.

DRAFT Principles for State Government

Augment ARPA funds made available to municipalities for those municipalities who have been hit hardest by COVID (health and unemployment) and likely have competing needs for funds in other areas that may outweigh digital divide issues.

Build the nascent capacity of local government and community groups in the area of the digital divide and digital infrastructure.

Catalyze additional investment by municipalities and private sector actors to improve affordability, reliability, and speed of the internet; as well as market competition for broadband service.

Future Investments

Federal Transportation Bill

Federal Broadband Bill

State IT Bond Bill

Various Federal Grants under NTIA

Diagnosing the Problem

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 in Chelsea & Revere

Is it Fast?

40 – 50%
of households in Chelsea and Revere with internet access do not have "broadband" speeds​

 

 

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

Is it Reliable?

Connection in Chelsea & Revere

~6,104 (19%)
Chelsea / Revere households lack internet service.​

 

~40%
of survey respondents do not believe their internet service is affordable.

 

72%
of survey respondents have had to cancel or change their internet subscription because it is too expensive​

Sources:  US Census ACS 5 Year, 2019. 

MAPC Community Digital Needs Assessment 2021

"Necesitamos que el costo del internet sea mas justo

-

We need the cost of the internet to be fairer"

Device Access in Chelsea & Revere

How accessible are devices?

12%
of Chelsea & Revere households have no computing device at all

 

23%
of survey respondents disagree with "People in my household always have access to a computer if needed."

About 60%
of Chelsea / Revere households with internet lease a router from their service provider

 

 

Device Source, Computers: US Census ACS 5 Year, 2019.  Device Source, Routers:  MAPC Survey - 6/29/21

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

Literacy in Chelsea & Revere

Using Technology

~75%
of survey respondents agree with "I feel confident in my ability to use a computer/laptop/Chromebook

~50%
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

Internet Subsidies

~500,000
families in Massachusetts are eligible for Internet Essentials and the Emergency Broadband benefit fund

 

Comcast Internet Essentials Plan offers basic internet service for $10 / Month to income eligible households (SNAP, Free or Reduced Lunch, etc)

 

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program will subsidize $50 for all Comcast service plans - as of June 29th only 30,000 households in the s

 

Only 30,000
households have taken advantage of EBB since May 16 2021

Source:  Universal Services Administrative Co, National Center for Education Statistics, MAPC Digital Access Survey 6/29/2021

"سمعت بأن شركة كومكاست توفر انترنت مجاني لأصحاب الدخل المحدود .هل هذا صحيح؟

-

I heard that Comcast company provides free internet to people with limited income. Is this true?"

Why is it this way?

The cable infrastructure at the household level is likely impacting service and reliability.

 

A lack of competition, shrinking cable service revenues, and a lower income service area are likely disincentives for investment from the private sector.

 

At the household level, individuals are likely using outdated or ineffective routers and devices.

 

Internet subscribers may not have the confidence or technical skills to trouble shoot internet speed or function issues.

 

Larger households who may need faster speed packages may be cost burdened and unable to afford those plans.

 

Individuals who are eligible for subsidized services may not be taking advantage of them due to a lack of information, trust, stable housing, documentation, or other structural and social factors.

Potential ARPA Funded Uses

Starting Practices

• Quantify the issue and understand the needs
• Coordinate stakeholders
• Guide decision making
• Better understanding current public assets that could be leveraged (fiber, rooftops infrastructure, etc.)

Develop a Digital Equity and Access Plan

Digital Equity Trust Fund to Purchase PC's, Routers, and Bulk Internet Subscriptions

Examples

Examples

Plans w/ MAPC underway in Everett, Revere & Chelsea

New York

San Francisco 

Library / School Device Lending Programs

Boston Digital Equity Fund

• Develop funding pool to invest in community initiatives
• Make devices available through programs at libraries & schools 
• Support computer purchasing or refurbishment programs

MORPC w/ PC for People

Emergency Broadband Benefit Outreach

Digital Navigators / Digital Stewards

Digital Navigators

Digital Stewards

• Different from Navigators, Digital Stewards are community members who receive advanced training in internet network technology. 
• They are able to support community-focused WiFi programs that support free and open internet networks.

• Individuals who address the whole digital inclusion process — home connectivity, devices, and digital skills
• Navigators can be volunteers or cross-trained staff who already work in social service agencies, libraries, health, and more who offer remote and socially distant in-person guidance. Can help support the critical issue of adoption as well as access.

Examples

NDIA w/ Salt Lake City Library

Providence w/ Digital Promise

Connecticut State Library

Examples

Allied Media w/ Detroit Community Tech

Southern Connected Communities

New York Digital Stewards

Brookline Tech Buddies 

Open WiFi

Affordable Housing Open Networks

Community Mesh Networks

Examples

ESH in Oakland

ESH w/ NPower Baltimore

Olneyville Providence w/ One Neighborhood Builders

• Utilize commercial or municipal internet networks to access high-speed wireless signals via a rooftop receiver.
• Make wifi access default. Leverage common spaces and broadcast on an open access router system for in-unit access.

Examples

Cambridge Free Soofa Wifi

The People's Network Helium Routers

• A distributed system of routers and devices that work in concert to provide internet access to users within a given geography, owned and managed by the community.
• Explore revenue-generating equipment like Soofa Signs and Helium Routers 

Red Hook Wifi

Detroit Community Mesh

Pittsburg Meta Mesh

Infrastructure Upgrades

Pull Fiber to Buildings and Retrofit Coaxial

Expand Municipal Fiber Infrastructure

ISP Fiber is typically limited to privately owned infrastructure. Bringing fiber closer to the end user by pulling it into buildings will improve speed and reliability of service (although may not impact price without other strategies).

Municipal fiber has traditionally been limited to a loop that connects public buildings like schools, town hall, and libraries.  Expanding municipal fiber, or at least conduit can serve to open new options for public and commercial connectivity.

Fiber Retrofits
Examples

Cambridge MA

Expanded Municipal Infrastructure

Increased Competition & Infrastructure Options

Open Access Networks

Partnerships with ISPs

Examples

MassBroadband 123

Examples

• Ownership does not mean Internet Service Provider
• Different models exist some connect to residences, other connect anchor institutions like municipal networks and high education.
• An opportunity that expands municipal fiber infrastructure, but does not require the municipality become the service provider.

• Partnering with Public or Private Equity to bringing fiber closer to the end-user by pulling it into buildings
• Retrofitting buildings with outdated wiring
• Leverage cable franchise agreement
• RFP for use of assets like rooftops
• Qualifying residents based on need, removing the administrative burden from resident and companies. 

Local cable franchises

San Francisco w/ Monkeybrains ISP, Community Tech Network CNT

Santa Cruz w/ Cruzio ISP & School District

Colorado Schools w/ Starry

ISLR Definition and Examples

Utopia Fiber

Open Cape

Utopia Fiber

Accessing the Internet Using Cable

Data Center

Fiber (Fast)

Cable (slower)

Cable (slower)

Wifi (slower) or ethernet (more reliable)

Slows down every step

The farther fiber optic cables go, the faster the internet

Copper wire slows the connection

Household size further complicates things

Survey question:

How often does more than one person need to be on the Internet at the same time?

~83%
Frequently or Always

~76%
Spanish Respondents, Yes

Source:  MAPC Survey - 5/26/21

~66%
English Respondents, Yes

Preference for local support

Survey question:

I would prefer to have a local resource that could support my technology needs, rather than relying on internet service providers.

~96%
Spanish Respondents, Yes

Source:  MAPC Survey - 5/26/21

~86%
English Respondents, Yes

Cable Providers in Everett

Comcast

RCN

Incumbent Cable Franchise, Full Coverage in Everett

 

In 2011 Comcast had 10,603 Cable TV Subscribers.

 

In 2020 it had only 7,000

Source:  Mass DTC Form 500, 2011 - 2020

Competitive Cable Franchise, Limited Coverage in Everett

 

In 2017 RCN had 2,171 Cable TV Subscribers.

 

In 2020 it had only 957

Household size further complicates things

For 1-2 people, internet should be at least 25-50 Mbps

 

$10-$30 per month

For 3-4 people, internet should be at least 50-100 Mbps

 

$35-$50 per month

For 5+ people, internet should be at least 200-500 Mbps

 

$50-$70 per month

Source:  US Census ACS 2019 5 Year, AllConnect

Legacy of Cable

Image Source:  https://calcable.org/learn/history-of-cable/

Where is the data?

Percentage of Households without an Internet Subscription

15.8% of Everett households lack internet service.

38% of Everett households earning less than $20,000 per year lack internet service.

12% of Everett households rely on smartphones for internet service

One-third of the households with internet access do not have "broadband" speeds

The Indicators of Broadband Need map was created by the United States Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). 

 

The map uses several different data sources to show information on broadband availability within the United States. 

Layers in this map were created using data sourced from the American Community Survey collected by the U.S. Census, Measurement Lab (M-Lab), Ookla, Microsoft and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

https://broadbandusa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ba2dcd585f5e43cba41b7c1ebf2a43d0

GeoTel

Additional Areas of Work

 

Please reach out to Josh Eichen! jeichen@mapc.org

Digital Justice Principles: Access

• Digital justice ensures that all members of our community have equal access to media and technology, as producers as well as consumers.
   
• Digital justice provides multiple layers of communications infrastructure in order to ensure that every member of the community has access to lifesaving emergency information.
   
• Digital justice values all different languages, dialects and forms of communication.

Source: Allied Media, Teaching Community Technology Handbook

Who's Job is it to Solve the Digital Divide?

Planners

Libraries

School Districts

IT Directors

Housing Authorities

Healthcare Providers

Workforce Boards

Community Based Organizations

Elected Officials

Private Sector

The State???

What Are the Answers?

Funding Opportunities

Mass Broadband Institute Gateway City WiFi Grant Program

• Up to $100,000 in grant funds to support new WiFi installations in Everett.
• Public Housing/Affordable Housing
• Downtown: Where else?

 

• American Rescue Plan Package

• ~1.2B Deployed to Communities in MAPC Region
• ~$5.4B available to the Commonwealth
• Broadband Infrastructure, Digital Literacy, and Digital Access are all eligible uses of funding

 

The Interim Final Rule gives recipients broad latitude to use funds for the provision of government services to the extent of reduction in revenue. The calculation of lost revenue begins with the recipient’s revenue in the last full fiscal year prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency and includes the 12-month period ending December 31, 2020. However, use of funds for government services must be forward looking for costs incurred by the recipient after March 3, 2021