Citywide Broadband

Recommendation 5

COMMUNITY BROADBAND

Cities across Ohio have expanded Internet infrastructure in thoughtful, forward-looking ways. These municipal networks have created local government savings, increased speeds, promoted service competition, and powered economic development. For example, the city of Hudson has been building out its broadband network incrementally for years, bringing fast, affordable, and reliable service to area businesses. This service is newly available to residents and it provides faster speeds and more value than existing services.

Digital infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in North Canton’s economic prosperity development and quality of life. Connectivity is essential for business development, education, healthcare, education, and home life. Better, faster, less expensive internet access could bring new residents and businesses to North Canton. Citywide broadband aligns with many of the recommendations in this master plan. Broadband is essential for businesses looking to locate in the city. Broadband service expands home entertainment options and internet connectivity, which is important for attracting younger homebuyers to the community. It will also make telecommuting more feasible, so someone could potentially work in a distant city from their home in North Canton. This is especially helpful for Millennials, and businesses trying to attract them. Broadband is essential for distance learning, for students from grade school through college. A citywide broadband network could help Walsh University extend its virtual reach and provide wider options for K-12 education. It can also help residents age in place through telemedicine and in-home health monitoring for independent living. As a first step, the city can identify and refine its broadband goals. For example, is broadband Internet primarily needed in designated areas, like the Main Street Corridor of Opportunity and at Walsh University? Or is the goal to provide broadband Internet throughout the city and to offer free Wi-Fi in parks, public spaces, and throughout the DORA? Once the city is clear about its goals, the next step is to develop an implementation plan. It is difficult for a city the size of North Canton to design, build, maintain, and operate its own broadband network. Typically, a small city will enter into a public/private partnership. This usually means the private partner provides technical expertise and the city provides funding. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) earmarks substantial funding for expanded broadband access, so this is an ideal time to be exploring broadband options. Also, pending federal infrastructure legislation also includes funding for broadband. In order to identify partners for building out a broadband network, the city can start by talking to existing telecom and internet providers in North Canton, including AT&T and Spectrum. What service do they already provide in the city and are they planning to add or improve service? The goal is to find local providers who are willing to work with the city to meet the community’s needs. Also, since Walsh University has already invested in on-campus broadband, the university will be an excellent resource for exploring broadband citywide. Funding Sources The new (20 September 2021) ARPA Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund is a $10 billion fund for states to use on broadband, digital connectivity devices, and multi-purpose community facilities that directly enable work, education and health monitoring. Eligible broadband projects must provide service upon completion that meets or exceeds 100 Mbps symmetrical service. States are encouraged, but not required, to prioritize last-mile service, investment in fiber-optic infrastructure, and to prioritize broadband infrastructure owned, operated, or affiliated with local governments, nonprofits, and cooperatives. Eligible projects are also required to participate in federal low-income subsidy programs upon completion and are encouraged to provide at least one low-cost option for service. Broadband projects must be substantially complete and funds must be expended by December 31, 2026.

Action Steps for Exploring Community Broadband

• Establish a task force to set goals for expanding broadband access, with representatives from the business community, academia, and local government. • Talk to local telecom and internet providers to discuss any plans they have for expanding service in the city, and to gauge their interest in partnering with the city on a broadband initiative. • Talk to comparably sized cities that have created broadband networks to understand their successes and the obstacles they faced. • Explore ARPA funding options for broadband expansion. Contact

Ohio’s broadband office as soon as possible to determine how best to engage with the planning process for ARPA funding. • Consider engaging a consultant to guide the city through the process.