Broadband

Broadband Initiative

Goals of Initiative

Broadband is essential infrastructure for cities and communities. Having high speed internet connectivity has a major effect on business growth, retention and attraction.

This initiative works toward two outcomes:

To ensure that all households in the region are connected to at least a minimum and affordable standard of broadband, so that all children are connected to educational resources, telecommuters are able to work and so that the transmission and sharing of public safety resources are supported.

To ensure that all businesses in the region are able to secure a level of high-speed connectivity that enables efficient commerce and communication to support economic vitality.

EDC has adopted this initiative in consideration of several community and economic values:

A more robust economy: Broadband is vital for economic growth, both by fostering new industries and expanding opportunities for existing businesses.

Safer, healthier communities: Broadband reaches many facets of everyday life by improving the delivery of healthcare services and assisting public safety personnel in the performance of their duties.

Smarter, more engaged individuals: Broadband enriches the educational experiences of children and adults, and facilitates citizen interaction with community organizations.

Greener environment: Broadband helps with the management and conservation of energy and transportation resources.

EDC Action

Key activities of the initiative include an assessment of the region’s broadband infrastructure, outreach and education for improving leadership and stakeholder awareness of the need for investment in fiber resources, advocacy for the adoption of local policies that facilitate broadband deployment, and the identification of gaps in service and solutions for closing them.

Partnering Organizations

The EDC serves as the fiscal agent for the Pacific Coast Broadband Consortium, a partnership of public and private stakeholders in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The Consortium manages grant funds distributed by the California Public Utilities Commission dedicated to assisting local and regional efforts in improving broadband deployment, access and adoption.

Local partners include the counties and municipalities, school administrators, telecommunication companies and both public and private sector enterprises whose sustainability, growth and service effectiveness depends on reliable and affordable high speed communication.