REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 17, 2020
FROM
CURT HAGMAN, Chairman and Fourth District Supervisor, Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
Broadband Access
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution in Support of Efforts to Increase Broadband Access
(Presenter: Chairman Curt Hagman, Board of Supervisors, 387-4866)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The pandemic has emphasized the importance of access to high-speed broadband internet and related resources as an essential means to access health services, education, economic resources, and job opportunities. Broadband access is critical to County residents and industries, as technology is vital to maintain local business operation, deliver critical services, and provide distance learning, while high speed broadband access will foster economic growth in the county by helping to attract and retain businesses. The lack of access to basic or high speed internet, and other gaps in communication technology, particularly for underserved communities, is known as the digital divide.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are two areas driving the need for efficient broadband bandwidth within the business sector. One of those areas includes businesses that were already utilizing an online platform for their customers, such as online based food delivery, online groceries, and e-commerce. The second includes businesses that had to move their services online or create their online presence to continue their business.
High speed broadband access will also benefit those working and schooling from home. However, internet access continues to be a challenge, as noted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) 22% of children in K-12 system have no connection to internet at home. PPIC also notes broadband access varied significantly by family income, geography, and other factors. Adoption of the recommended resolution will allow the County to support programs, funding and policies that provide opportunities for broadband deployment to close the digital divide. This includes collaborating with regional jurisdictions to identify opportunities to provide service to underserved communities.
PROCUREMENT
Not Applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Penny Alexander-Kelley, Chief Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on November 11, 2020; Finance (Stephenie Shea, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on November 9, 2020; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on November 9, 2020.