AGENDA DATE: 3/1/2017
TITLE:
Title
Wireless Service Authority Strategy
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consider creation of wireless service authority and the composition of its board.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Letteri, Kamptner, Culp, Fritz
PRESENTER (S): Mike Culp, IT Director
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Douglas C. Walker
BACKGROUND: Staff, as a result of Board direction and priorities, has continued, since the Nov. 2, 2016 decision of the Board for the County to pursue a regional wireless service authority, to evaluate strategies to expand access to high speed internet service (Broadband) in Albemarle County. A telecommunications plan designed to evaluate existing conditions and infrastructure and provide a series of options for how broadband might be expanded in the region was developed. One of the strategic considerations in the telecommunications plan was to create a wireless service authority.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 2 - Critical Infrastructure: Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs. Goal 5 - Educational Opportunities: Provide lifelong learning opportunities for all our citizens. Goal 7 - Operational Capacity: Ensure County government's ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: From November 2016 through February 2017, staff continued efforts to identify the formation, risks, benefits, and characteristics of wireless service authorities.
Regional or County-Specific Wireless Service Authority
Staff is recommending a two-step approach to the Board considering to become a member of a regional wireless service authority by first creating a County-specific authority. This will allow the County authority to develop its own capabilities and understand potential limitations before making the financial and staffing commitment that joining a regional autho...
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