Connectivity Committee (Ad-Hoc)

Participate via Zoom

Meeting ID: 819 0131 5985, Passcode: 305834
Call-in for voice only: 1 (929) 436-2866

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background, Purpose, and Authority

In 2021 the Select Board formed the ad-hoc Broadband Internet Committee to consider Broadband Internet needs and solutions in town.  The group performed their work as directed and was disbanded following the Town Meeting vote in June of 2022.  There were several key points that came from the discussions held around the idea of municipal broadband that have received varying degrees of attention:

• The Town should consider working with Charter/Spectrum to investigate expanding service through them and completing their 100% coverage of the Town
• There are a lot of residents who qualify for reduced cost internet service already who don’t take advantage of it because it’s not well known
• There are many different ways to improve connectivity that don’t cost tax dollars including public education efforts, Wi-Fi spots at public buildings, volunteer tech support, and collaboration with tech-centric non-profits
• Competition is good for customers and services like 5G cellular internet, privately owned fiber, and satellite options should be encouraged to compete in Readfield

The Select Board recently authorized the negotiation of a renewed Franchise Agreement with Charter/Spectrum and the formation of a committee to assist with that effort, and to address other issues of connectivity in our community.  This memo establishes the basic parameters for the committee that was authorized.  The purpose of the (ad-hoc) Connectivity Committee is to pursue and promote better connectivity for Readfield residents and businesses, including but not limited to the bullets listed above.  The Connectivity Committee is formed pursuant to a vote of, and is advisory to, the Select Board.

Tasks

The Connectivity Committee shall:

1. Assist the Town Manager and Select Board with the negotiation of a Franchise Renewal with Charter/Spectrum.
2. Collect, review, digest, and incorporate technical information and data related to connectivity issues in Readfield, and recommend potential solutions with little or no tax impact.
3. Pursue public outreach, education, and engagement around connectivity, with a focus on assisting older and lower-income residents.
4. Actively involve relevant committees, organizations, institutions, and interested parties to improve connectivity in Readfield.
5. Report to the Select Board a minimum of quarterly.