Digital Access Plan

Columbus Ave Corridor

Meeting II   1/14/2022

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Agenda

Welcome and Meeting Goals

Review of Project Process

Report Back on Community Needs Assessment

Technology Evaluation Preview

Next Steps

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BREAK OUT GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Meeting Goals

Prioritize key findings from the Community Needs Assessment.

Brainstorm actions that could address digital divide issues along Columbus Ave.

Preview technology assessment concepts that MAPC will investigate further.

Phases of Work

Advisory Committee Role

Community Needs Assessment--Urban Edge

Survey Data Review

An Adequate

Device

Literacy

Connection

Three Determining Factors of Digital Access

In June 2021 the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a map that  displays key indicators of broadband needs across the country.

Columbus Ave Corridor stood out

National

Indicators of Broadband Need

The Columbus Ave Corridor experiences substantially higher levels of digital divide issues than Boston as a whole.

Digital Access Needs Compared to Boston

Who Responded to the Survey?

Target Survey Goal

200

265

Area Population

Race/Ethnicity

Seniors

Area PopulationAge

Surveys

19%

12%

Seniors

Target Survey Goal

200

265

Area Population

Race/Ethnicity

Seniors

Area PopulationAge

Surveys

19%

12%

Seniors

Black / African American

Black / African American

35%

Area Population

Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latinx

Hispanic or Latinx

40%

56%

According to Census data, 27 to 39% of “Columbus Ave Corridor” households do not have access to the internet.

What was learned from the Survey? 

~27% 

Of residents do not currently currently have an internet subscription.

That number is just 7% when we look at all US households 

According to this Census data, 27 to 39% of “Columbus Ave Corridor” households do not have access to the internet.

Black or African American respondents were even less likely have an internet connection.

That number is just 7% when we look at all US households 

According to this Census data, 19% of “Columbus Ave Corridor” population are seniors.

What was learned from the Survey? 

Affordability is often cited as a primary reason for the lack of an internet connection.

Is it Affordable?

~63%

of survey respondents without an internet subscriptions cite the reason as "too expensive"

52% of respondents have an annual household income of less than $25,000

Among non-broadband users, 45% say a reason why they do not have broadband at home is that the monthly cost is too expensive (Pew Researh Center)

Took action because of the large expense

~61%

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

Among non-broadband users, 45% say a reason why they do not have broadband at home is that the monthly cost is too expensive (Pew Researh Center)

Affordability is often cited as a primary reason for the lack of an internet connection.

Is it Reliable?

of survey respondents have had to leave their home to use the internet at another location because their home service was unreliable

"Internet fee went up. It's too high while not being reliable."

For upload speed measured since 2017 in zip code 02119, 45% of the time the speed was under the threshold for broadband

~35%

Household Size and Reliability

Price declines and quality increases are associated with the entry of a third broadband competitor (Benton Institute)

The majority of respondents were Comcast customers

"Comcast es muy caro y además tiene un monopolio con el servicio de cable e internet"

--

"Comcast is very expensive and also has a monopoly on cable and internet service"

What about subsidy programs that provide free discounted internet connections?

Survey found that: 

Providers are federally mandated to offer low-income eligible service plans. Comcast calls their plan Xfinity Internet Essentials. 

It offers basic internet service for $10 / Month to income-eligible households (SNAP, Free or Reduced Lunch, etc)

~52%

of all respondents are Xfinity Internet Essentials Subscribers

What about subsidy programs?

Can you find out if academy homes 1 will provide internet again and if we can bring RCN because Comcast rips off customers and I'm disabled can you find internet services for home free or low for the month. Thanks in advance

Only 1,043 households

have taken advantage of EBB since November 1, 2021 in zip code 02119

In addition to provider programs, there is currently The Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB)* will subsidize $50 for all service plans

There are 11,048 total households in zip code 02119 (US Census) .

*On 12/31/2021 the EBB program ended, and the Affordable Connectivity Program created, providing a $30 monthly subsidy for service plus $100 credit toward computer or tablet purchase.  

Affordability is not the only barrier to adoption. 

What was learned from the Survey? 

~15%

 of those without an Internet subscription say they don't know how to subscribe

Comfortable Using Technology

~82%

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

~57%

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

"If training was available I would like to learn more about technology"

Less Comfortable Ensuring Functioning Equipment

Device Access

New device needed

Device Use

Thematic Findings

Data demonstrates a confusion around Internet service packages and programs to support low-cost adoption.

Lack of Awareness of Supports

Thematic Findings

Insert text about Comcast/Benton Institute competition numbers

Lack of Competition

Thematic Findings

Families struggle with quality issues with broadband service.

Household Size

Thematic Findings

According to survey results, seniors lack connectivity and confidence in their ability to use a computer.

Seniors

Thematic Findings

38% of survey respondents disagree with the statement "People in my household always have access to a computer if needed".

Device Access

Thematic Findings

Survey data and focus group conversations demonstrate confusion around Internet service packages and digital literacy program offerings

How we talk about the Internet

Thematic Findings

Survey data shows general interest in digital literacy and potential careers in technology.

Interest in Technology

Affordability is often cited as a primary reason for the lack of an internet connection.

What was learned from the Survey? 

50%

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

PEW #

Who Responded to the Survey?

Community Needs Assessment--Urban Edge

Stakeholder Interviews

Focus Groups

Individual Conversations

Process

Sample Questions:

Warren Williams, E.D, Three Squares Main Streets

Sandra Waldon, Dimmock Health Center

Mike Lynch, City of Boston, Director of Broadband and Cable

Salvatore Pina, Roxbury Community College (RCC), Director of Workforce Development

Amy Nishman, Jewish Vocational Services (JVS), Senior Vice President of Strategy

Nessie Ruiz, Tech Goes Home

Milton Erving and Allessandra Brown, Timothy Smith Network

Scott Hagerty, InSource

Denise Delgado, Egleston Square Main Streets (email correspondence)

Urban Edge residents and community leaders

Urban Edge Staff

Affordable Housing Groups, JPNDC, TNB, MACDC, Winn Companies

What barriers do you see for your neighbors in getting online?

What opportunities might be created if there was improved ability to get online?

How are you thinking about the Digital Divide, and how it fits into your mission and programming?

Please identify the network of partners in the area, and the physical, operational and organizational assets they might bring to the project.  

Focus Groups

Individual Conversations

Warren Williams, E.D, Three Squares Main Streets

Sandra Waldon, Dimmock Health Center

Mike Lynch, City of Boston, Director of Broadband and Cable

Salvatore Pina, Roxbury Community College (RCC), Director of Workforce Development

Amy Nishman, Jewish Vocational Services (JVS), Senior Vice President of Strategy

Nessie Ruiz, Tech Goes Home

Milton Erving and Allessandra Brown, Timothy Smith Network

Scott Hagerty, InSource

Denise Delgado, Egleston Square Main Streets (email correspondence)

Urban Edge residents and community leaders

Urban Edge Staff

Affordable Housing Groups, JPNDC, TNB, MACDC, Winn Companies

Families

Continuing Ed

students

Seniors

Mildred Hailey

residents

IT Clients

Business

owners 

Jobseekers

Immigrants

Transitional

housing

residents 

Healthcare

patients

Commonly identified needs

Digital Equity Needs

Connection, literacy and devices must work together. Even with the existence of an internet connection, residents need support in strengthening literacy skills and accessing devices.  Language barriers limit the effectiveness of digital equity efforts.

Stakeholders highlighted the need for internet access in order to allow community members to attend school, conduct work, search for jobs, access government assistance, and connect with friends and family. The need is even greater amongst the marginalized communities stakeholders serve.

There are a limited number of existing digital access programs (supported by TGH), and a strong desire was expressed for these programs, either by residents or by organizations who believe increased digital literacy will improve their own services. Stakeholders highlighted the digital literacy needs of seniors, career (re)training, business owners and ESL learners.

Businesses should better take advantage of online tools and be "document ready"

Asset Map

Consistent Themes

Stakeholder Insights

Many of the stakeholders are open to partnership and collaboration between organizations, and a desire to increase their work in helping to close the digital divide. 

Stakeholder organizations identified the incoming state and federal aid as a resource for this work, but are unsure of how to proceed. Collaboration within groups and with the City of Boston is likely necessary in order to qualify for these funds. 

Existing Capacity: Connection 

InSource, Urban Edge's IT consultant, manages the in-building network (wiring installed during its renovation) at Walnut Park and soon to be completed Holzer park. Currently these networks offer minimal bandwidth to users but that can be increased.

Boston has municipal fiber in the corridor, nearby to BHA's Doris Bunte apartments, RCC, BNN and several Wicked Free WIFI hotspots.  

Recent construction or renovations have included in-building wiring, allowing ISP's easier access to apartments and the ability for building owners to consolidate accounts.

As a group, the stakeholders manage a large and diverse portfolio of real estate, creating opportunity for shared broadband infrastructure.

Existing Capacity: Devices

Tech Goes Home has created a fee for service program where they used to not charge partners. Urban Edge is piloting a device and literacy program for youth and seniors with Tech Goes Home, and JVS has a partnership with them as well. 

RCC has a Timothy Smith Network Space (computer lab), open to the public.

Library, schools laptop and hotspot lending programs

Existing Capacity: Digital Literacy

Urban Edge is piloting a program for youth and seniors with Tech Goes Home.

Jewish Vocational Services also works with TGH, and developed a Digital Navigator program.

Three Squares is working with JPNDC to aid businesses to become document ready. Work between Three Squares and RCC and Ben Franklin Institute of Technology is ongoing. 

RCC and The Timothy Smith Network offer specialized technology career training. 

Existing Capacity

Tech Goes Home has created a fee for service program where they used to not charge partners. Urban Edge is piloting a device and literacy program for youth and seniors with Tech Goes Home, and JVS has a partnership with them as well. 

RCC has a Timothy Smith Network Space (computer lab), open to the public.

Library, schools laptop lending programs

Existing Capacity: Devices

Existing Programs

Stakeholder Insights

Tech Goes Home has created a fee for service program where they used to not charge partners. Urban Edge is piloting a program for youth and seniors with Tech Goes Home, and JVS has a partnership with them as well. 

InSource is Urban Edge's IT consultant. In addition to Urban Edge offices, InSource manages the in-building network (wiring installed during its renovation) at Walnut Park and soon to be completed Holtzer park. Currently these netowrks offer minimal bandwidth to users but that can be easily increased. 

Three Squares is working with JPNDC to aid businesses to become document ready. Work between Three Squares and RCC and BFIT is ongoing. 

RCC has a Timothy Smith Network Space (computer lab) 

Remove slide, replace with following 3 slides.

Opportunities

Stakeholder Insights

At the Mildred Hailey site with JPNDC and UE, they want to add a business center and bring Wi-Fi to the community center during the renovation, setting a new benchmark for connectivity with the Mildred Hailey redevelopment

Free internet in public parks

Internet in unit

Working with Amazon for funding in Roxbury where they have a large giving budget

Dimmock HR program could focus on more digital offering

Digital Literacy for Latinos

Tech Goes Home considering becoming an ISP

(Affordable Housing) If you have significant reserves and you can talk to the lender about it to authorize it, you may be able to use the reserves, and solve for the operating expense. All properties have operating reserves, required by lenders in the state. Each has different requirements. It is an eligible use for the operation of the building (from the reserves), but installation is a grey area, as it is not exactly a replacement, but that is often up to the funder that holds the replacement reserve. 

One org is a funnel to programs feeding to one org doing digital literacy feeding to one org doing career training

A public free network may be able to be supported by the City of Boston

Remove slide

Community Needs Assessment--Urban Edge

Key Findings

Key Findings

Connection 

Devices

Digital Literacy

Connection 

Need

Solutions

The adoption of home internet along the Columbus Ave corridor is lower than Boston overall, driven in large part by lack of affordability

• Promote discount programs of providers
• Promote consumer ISP options

Healthcare Providers

Municipal Support

Local Media

CBO's

CDC's

• Install in-building wiring  for aggregated demand and service

Lack of awareness of Internet subsidy programs limits broadband adoption.

Little competition among ISP's limits affordability and quality.

Connection 

Need

Solutions

Families struggle with quality issues with broadband servicedue to increased device usage and bandwidth needs.

Larger households require better internet speeds at affordable prices.

• Install in-building wiring  for aggregated demand and service
• Explore community or affordable housing broadband network options
• Increase competition to improve service

CDC's

IT Vendor

Municipal Support

Devices 

Need

Solutions

38% of survey respondents disagree with the statement "People in my household always have access to a computer if needed."

• Tech Goes Home training for families
• More open access computer labs, with support
• Promote discounted device purchase and lending options
  • EBB/ACP program provides $100 computer rebate

Nonprofits

Libraries

Schools

CDC's

Families, with demands of remote work and school, require more devices.

Digital Literacy 

Need

Solutions

Almost half of seniors reported a lack of confidence in their ability to use a computer.

Stakeholders reported that households that speak a language other than English require language-specific training and literacy programs.

• Targeted approaches to basic digital literacy training (senior focused, multiple languages)
• Employ skill assessment tools to differentiate literacy needs

CDC's

Nonprofits

Technology trainers

Healthcare providers

Older adults require digital literacy training, in their home language.

Digital Literacy 

Need

Solutions

Youth and young adult residents require programming to support their education and career aspirations.

• Programs such as Digital Stewards and others where community members design and digital equity efforts

Workforce Development

Educational Institutions

Community Based Org's

Leverage young people’s interest in technology to support careers and potential infrastructure in the corridor

Alternate Slides

Key Findings-Infrastructure

• 54% of seniors do not have an Internet subscription in their home.
• 77% of Internet users are Comcast customers
  • 52% are Xfinity Internet Essentials
• 35% of survey respondents have had to leave their home to use the Internet at another location because their home service was unreliable
• Majority of stakeholders interviewed manage broadband  infrastructure components-buildings, community spaces, computer labs

Comcast is the ISP for the large majority of residents, despite issues of quality. Outreach to seniors and low income residents for Internet Essentials is lacking as are affordable alternatives.

Key Findings-Devices

• 38% of survey respondents disagree with "People in my household always have access to a computer if needed."
• 51% attended or work or school remote
• Lack of public computer labs

Many Columbus Corridor residents attended school or work remotely in 2021. Many reported not having necessary computers, and local options for affordable device purchases or borrowing are minimal. 

Key Findings-Targeted Approaches

• Stakeholders highlighted the digital literacy needs of seniors, career (re)training, business owners and ESL learners.
• ~45% of seniors disagree with the statement "I feel confident in my ability to use a computer/laptop/Chromebook" (number increases to ~70% of those uncomfortable with their ability to fix Internet issues)
• 30% of Haitian Creole speakers (and ~20% of Spanish speakers disagree with the statement "I feel confident in my ability to use a computer/laptop/Chromebook"
• 59% agree with the statement "If training were available, I would be interested in a career in the Technology or IT Field"​​
  • 100% of respondents ages 19-24 agree with the statement "If training were available, I would be interested in a career in the Technology or IT Field

When results are broken down by age/race, distinctive needs and interests are revealed. Stakeholders echoed that need for specific types of training. 

Key Findings-How we talk about the Internet

• Many more households qualify for EBB/ACP than are registered
• %__of Infinity Internet Essentials customers report spending +$100 per month on Internet subscription
• 57% feel confident in resolving issues related to Internet connection vs 82% confident in resolving computer/laptop/Chromebook issues
• 15% of those without Internet access in the home answered "Dont know how to subscribe" as their reason

Discrepancies in data demonstrate a lack of clarity on ISP offerings, broadband service, and program offerings.