Submitted By
Alvin Nepomuceno, Information Technology Director
Reviewed By
Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Report Regarding Community High-Speed Internet Access for Multifamily Residential Households
End
Overview
Overview
Information Technology (IT) staff provided updated information to the Civic Information System Commission (CISC) related to their Assessment of Community Broadband Access report. The information is also relevant to the Board goals on exploring economical internet connectivity options for multifamily residential households such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and provide community outreach and data on affordable options.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Support the CISC recommendation for community education on opportunities for Internet Service Provider (ISP) availability.
Background
In April 2023, IT staff recorded the availability of AT&T as an alternative high-speed internet service (100Mb or higher) to multi-unit dwellings of four or more units. Staff recorded every location on the AT&T website for service and internet speed. For locations with low speed or no AT&T service, IT staff looked at neighboring addresses to record available high-speed internet services.
|
AT&T Availability |
High-Speed |
Low Speed |
Not Available |
Total |
|
4 to 5 Units |
25 |
6 |
4 |
35 |
|
6 to 11 Units |
16 |
27 |
13 |
56 |
|
12 to 31 Units |
13 |
35 |
13 |
61 |
|
32 to 47 Units |
4 |
12 |
1 |
17 |
|
48 to 99 Units |
5 |
6 |
1 |
12 |
|
100+ Units |
3 |
4 |
|
7 |
|
Total |
66 |
90 |
32 |
188 |
In March 2024, IT staff checked 122 locations on the AT&T website and noticed the availability of high-speed Internet service.
• 3 Ontario St, 50 units; available fiber service from previously not available
• 422 S Taylor Ave, 32 units; 5G service from previously 5 Mbps
• 124 Washington Blvd, 32 units; up to 100 Mb service from previously 50 Mbps
Each location above was recorded in April 2023 as neighboring addresses having available high-speed Internet services. There are now 69 locations with high-speed Internet service. It should be noted that high-speed Xfinity internet service is considered readily available in the community and 100Mb is considered high-speed.
The AT&T website allows residents to register for notification when AT&T fiber becomes available at a specific location. It is unknown whether registration contributes to AT&T's decision-making of providing their services.
The provided CISC reports state that wireless (5G) home ISP is considered a future by some CISC members, allowing for additional high-speed ISP. Besides AT&T, T-Mobile is another 5G provider (<https://broadbandnow.com/5G/t-mobile-home-internet>).
The federally funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for internet services recently ended. However, with qualifying low-income AT&T and Xfinity continued the services at $30/month at 100 Mbps and $9.95/month at 50 Mbps respectively.
At the April 2024 CISC meeting, members agreed that community education on Internet Service Provider (ISP) availability opportunities would be the next step in encouraging internet connectivity throughout the Village.
Fiscal Impact
N/A
DEI Impact
The expansion of internet connectivity further connects marginalized communities and low-income individuals to a critical resource. The CISC hopes to offer these opportunities to residents in multi-unit dwellings.
Alternatives
The Board may delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
Adopted Village Board Goals 2024-25
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
On February 24, 2023, the Civic Information System Commission (CISC) provided a report on Assessment of Community Broadband Access. At the April 2024 CISC meeting, members agreed that community education on Internet Service Provider (ISP) availability opportunities would be the next step in encouraging internet connectivity throughout the Village.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Village staff intend to consult with operating departments to develop communication for the public and encourage additional Internet Service Providers (ISP). The Village Board will be provided with updates on this activity.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A