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March 19, 2018

March 19, 2018. Connecting state-level policy and resources to federal programs. Broadband Policy in Washington. What is the real problem?. The Problem. A combination of factors Access Quality of service Affordability Education and Digital Skills Utilization. The Problem.

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March 19, 2018

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  1. March 19, 2018 Connecting state-level policy and resources to federal programs Broadband Policy in Washington

  2. What is the real problem?

  3. The Problem A combination of factors Access Quality of service Affordability Education and Digital Skills Utilization

  4. The Problem FCC Data – Stevens County According to the FCC, 100% of people in Stevens County have access to fixed broadband that delivers 25/3 service. Average advertised speeds of 88 mbps download and 66 mbps upload. In reality, we have no idea what broadband looks for individual constituents without spending scarce public resources and lots of time on address-level mapping

  5. Guiding Principle Broadband is local The real scope of this issue can only be measured at the local level, and real solutions happen at the local level. The role of the state and federal government is to facilitate local action in solving this problem. The best solution for Forks won’t work in Pullman, the best solution for Ferndale won’t even apply in Ridgefield.

  6. Statement of Need Organization To avoid wasting scare public resources, and to expediently connect the state, Washington needs a detailed statewide vision, plan, and a dedicated staff to execute that plan. Funding In order to connect all Washingtonians to quality, affordable, and resilient, broadband internet service, we know that substantial amounts of funding are necessary. Flexibility & Creativity Washington needs policies and programs that encourage new partnerships, incentivize deployment by both the public and private sectors, and capitalize on outside opportunities.

  7. Current Work at the State Level Programming Department of Commerce WaTech / OCIO Utilities and Transportation Commission Funding (2017/19 Budget) Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) - $10M • Broadband Grants & Loans • Planning and feasibility State Universal Service Program - $10M

  8. So, what is the solution?

  9. The Solution – HB 1498 / SB 5511 Organization The Governor’s Statewide Broadband Office (SBO) Extensive inter-agency collaboration Funding Public Works Board (PWB) State Universal Service Fund (USF) Flexibility & Creativity Public-Private partnerships Wide eligibility Additional authority to provide services

  10. Statewide Broadband Office (SBO) Section 4(1) The office has the power and duty to: (b) Coordinate with (all relevant entities) to develop strategies and plans promoting deployment… (d) Develop, recommend, and implement a statewide plan… (e) Update the state’s broadband goals and definitions for broadband service… (f) Encourage public-private partnerships to increase deployment and adoption….

  11. Statewide Broadband Office (SBO) Section 4(2) When developing plans or strategies…the office must consider: (b) Funding opportunities that provide for the coordination of public, private, state, and federal funds… (c) Barriers to the deployment, adoption, and utilization of broadband service, including affordability of service Section 4(3) The office may assist applicants…with seeking federal funding or matching grants and other grant opportunities…

  12. Statewide Broadband Office (SBO) Section 4(4) The office may take all appropriate steps to seek and apply for federal funds… Section 4(5) In carrying out its purpose, the office may collaborate with (all relevant state agencies)… Section 8(2) Expenditures from the account may be used only for: • Grants, loans, data acquisition, a statewide demand assessment, gap analyses, match against local bonds, match against federal programs

  13. Public Works Board Section 7(2) (a) Grants and loans may be awarded…to assist in funding acquisition, installation, and construction of middle mile and last mile infrastructure…and to assist in funding strategic planning… Section 7(3) Eligible applicants for grants and loans awarded… • Local government, Tribes, Nonprofits, Coops, LLCs, Incorporates businesses and partnerships

  14. Public Works Board Section 7(6) (a)…the board shall publish on its website the proposed geographic broadband service area and the proposed speed…(b) Any existing broadband service provider near the proposed project area may…submit in writing to the board an objection to an application… Section 7(7) (a) In evaluating applications and awarding funds, the board shall give priority to applications that are constructed in areas identified as unserved. (b) …the board may give priority to applications that…

  15. Public Works Board Section 7(10) Prior to awarding funds…the board must consult with the (UTC). The (UTC) must provide to the board an assessment of the economic and technical feasibility of a proposed application. The board must consider the (UTC)’s assessment as part of its evaluation of a proposed application.

  16. FOR MORE INFORMATION: John Flanagan Policy Advisor (360) 801-9807 John.Flanagan@gov.wa.gov

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