Communications Policy 2013 General Plan Update

1. Communications Policy2013 General Plan Update August, 2013

2. DIGITAL 395 “LAST MILE PROVIDER PLAN” • Develop a ‘plan’ to facilitate the Last Mile implementation of broadband service to our communities • Evaluate existing conditions, promote installation of service, and streamline future project approvals • Ensure County policies and procedures exist, are understood, applicable, and capable of supporting such projects • Two-pronged approach • Internal : Develop and implement General Plan policies that support telcom & Last Mile projects • External : Develop information for providers and consumers that facilitates understanding of policies & decision making

3. POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS • Work with County staff and Board of Supervisors to develop basic high-level concepts and understanding • Outreach to RPACs with four main goals • Provide information about how Digital 395 will impact that community • Get community reaction to broadband deployment concepts • Receive feedback regarding desired technology & distribution • Further understand unique characteristics of communities • Synthesize ideas and feedback and develop initial draft of policy language • Form a Technical Advisory Committee to help review and further refine policy language • Outreach internally and publicly for further refinement • Pursue General Plan adoption

4. GENERAL THEMES • Want the best service possible, as quickly as possible • Prefer wireline over wireless, and understand cost and construction implications of each • Feel that co-location of facilities is important • Look at existing locations first • Look toward public facilities (fire stations, etc.) for new sites • Evaluate sites for effectiveness so as to not create them unnecessarily (cell coverage) • Visual impact of overhead lines is important, but not as much as having service

5. RPAC FEEDBACK : INTERNET SERVICE • Current service : Availability, Providers, & Quality • Most residents are paying for Internet when it is available • Many people do not realize they have choices in providers • Many residents lamented their lack of bandwidth or reliability of service • Desired service levels • Better service is desired and welcomed by almost everyone • Most residents understand technology differences and service implications • Virtually everyone is willing to pay a little more to get better service

6. RPAC FEEDBACK : SERVICE DISTRIBUTION • Service vs. Distribution method • Most residents indicated a preference for Internet service, regardless of distribution method • Residents understand that distribution methods and associated service will vary from community to community • Overhead vs. Underground • Most residents support use of existing poles for wireline distribution • Where undergrounding opportunities exist and can be reasonably pursued, do so – no push to underground everything • Residents are generally ok with towers as long as they are conspicuously placed in smart/effective locations

7. COMMUNICATIONS CHAPTER : FOCUS AREAS Two background/introductory sections: .010 :Purpose and Background .020 : Definitions Four primary sections : .030 : Broadband Deployment & Adoption .040 : Construction of Communications Infrastructure .050 : Strategic Planning for Communications Infrastructure .060 : Broadband Access, Adoption, and Application .070 : Additional Considerations

8. BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT & ADOPTION • GOAL: Facilitate the distribution of the best broadband service possible, to as many users within community areas and key transportation corridors as possible, in a timely and cost effective manner that minimizes impacts to visual and natural resources. • OBJECTIVES: • Work with providers to deliver the best service possible to Mono County residents, businesses, and visitors. • Deploy broadband to as many community areas and key transportation corridors as possible, and pursue additional providers to increase competition, and improve quality of service. • Minimize the impact on the environment and scenic resources while implementing projects.

9. CONSTRUCTION OF COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE • GOAL: Incorporate designs compatible with future communications infrastructure when designing public facilities such as streets, campuses, buildings, and public spaces. Accommodate potential future need for undergrounding of infrastructure when reconstructing or remodeling. Provide locations and development standards for communication infrastructure located throughout the County.

10. CONSTRUCTION OF COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE • OBJECTIVES: • Utilize existing infrastructure and facilities before constructing new ones. • Utilize public spaces or property for communication sites or infrastructure. • Promote and facilitate the development of underground infrastructure to accommodate current and future use demands, protect assets, and minimize future disturbance. • Develop and manage underground infrastructure as 'basic infrastructure' that adheres to standards, is available for public use, and is managed as an asset in line with other public property. • Continually look for opportunities to underground existing overhead infrastructure and evaluate priorities based on safety and reliability factors and community input. • Explore and utilize above-ground infrastructure opportunities when underground solutions are not viable, or would otherwise prevent customers from having access to the best available service.

11. STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE • GOAL: Work with local service providers, agencies, and other resources to arrive at appropriate and creative solutions to solve communications challenges. Utilize Digital 395 infrastructure to support communication needs including expansion and development of future infrastructure. • OBJECTIVES: • Evaluate opportunities and establish a plan for future communications infrastructure needs and development opportunities. • Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of communications, and related infrastructure for planning purposes. • Leverage existing broadband infrastructure, including Digital 395, before constructing new infrastructure.

12. BROADBAND ACCESS, ADOPTION, AND APPLICATION • GOAL: Work with providers to extend service to as many residents and businesses as possible. Find ways to utilize technology to improve public safety, quality of life, and economic stability of the region as a whole, while improving government accountability and transparency. • OBJECTIVES: • Leverage Digital 395 and other broadband and communications resources to improve public safety. • Focus efforts on economic development as it relates to or relies on improved broadband and accessibility. • Improve accessibility to broadband for personal consumption within community areas at a level of service and price comparable to urban centers. • Utilize Digital 395 and technology as a whole to improve government accountability and accessibility.

13. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS • Identify and track relevant concepts that require further development or investigation