Overview
The Cheboygan County, MI Broadband Team has completed its community technology assessment. The results of the assessment can be found by clicking the symbol for the sections below. Here you can find survey results, infrastructure assessments, and recommended actions the community can implement to improve the broadband and technology ecosystem at a local level.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Connected Infrastructure in Cheboygan County, Michigan
Broadband access refers to the infrastructure that enables a high-speed internet connection. There are two primary types of broadband connections: fixed and mobile.
Fixed broadband is delivered to a user via several technology platforms including cable, digital subscriber line (DSL) over phone lines, fiber optics, and fixed wireless. Fixed broadband is designed for stationary use at a fixed location such as a home, business, or institution. From one location, however, fixed broadband service is often broadcast as a Wi-Fi network to connect nearby devices.
The following map shows where broadband is available in the community.
Recommended Actions
Description
Establishing a formal, long-term community Technology Action Committee can help to sustain the implementation of the technology action plan and the growth of broadband and technology access, adoption, and use in the community. By forming this group and seeking 501c3 status, a local Technology Action Committee (TAC) can be empowered to take on actions that they deem necessary to the sustainability of their community regarding broadband and technology. Ideally, the team would:
- Promote broadband and technology access adoption and use.
- Serve as the de facto go-to resource for broadband and technology for the community.
- Seek ways to educate and empower the community regarding broadband and technology.
- Unify the community on broadband and technology in order to better understand and communicate broadband and technology opportunities.
- Take action on recommendations from the plan as well as others that they may find necessary and beneficial to the growth of their community.
Goals
Organize, establish, and promote an empowered group of passionate and interested individuals focused on broadband and technology access, adoption, and use.
Actions
- Determine an interim board that will be able to provide the initial leadership and direction, set bylaws, structure, and apply for nonprofit status.
- Work with a local lawyer, reduced rate where possible, finalize the organization and get non-profit status applications completed.
- Begin regularly scheduled meetings, and recruit businesses and individuals to the TAC.
- Create a centralized technology portal/website that promotes local technology resources for use by residents. Resources would include calendars (promoting local tech events and showing available hours at public computer centers), online training resources, and local computer resources.
Responsible Parties
Community service organizations, Libraries, Schools, Internet Service Providers, Local and County Government, Local Businesses and Industries, Economic Development Groups, and others as needed
Resources
The Role of Community Leadership In the Development of Grassroots Innovations: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210422416300417?via%3Dihub
Forbes's E-Gov to Basis Points - Municipal Credit and Next-Gen Government Digital Leaders: https://www.forbes.com/sites/investor/2019/05/15/e-gov-to-basis-points-municipal-credit-and-next-gen-government-digital-leaders/#57e50e577bc7
Smart Cities Readiness Guide: https://rg.smartcitiescouncil.com/
Diligent Insights' Municipal Boards - Best Practices for Adopting Technology: https://insights.diligent.com/boardroom-technology-local-government/municipal-boards-best-practices-for-adopting-technology
Description
Unfortunately, local community policies and a lack of local coordination are often major hurdles to broadband providers, as they work to expand their networks and advance access to broadband services. This solution seeks to streamline this process, by eliminating unnecessary policies, consolidating information, and appointing a single point of contact that can ensure that the community is working as efficiently as possible with providers and gaining access to the networks and services that are needed. All community stakeholders, local governing bodies, agencies, utilities, etc. should meet and identify all of the local policies, regulations, and permits required of a telecommunications provider. These disparate elements should be organized into a set of requirements, and a website established with all necessary forms available electronically and capable to be electronically signed. This group will also appoint a single point of contact (SPOC) for all telecommunications infrastructure development projects. This individual be the community liaison with providers and assist both the community and the provider through any necessary communications and working through any necessary issues As a commitment to this process, the local governing body/s should pass language that requires the agreed-upon times for responses to provider outreach, permit approval times, and authorizes the SPOC.
Goals
Provide a framework through which a community can demonstrate that they are a “Digital Ready Community” that has streamlined policies, cleared barriers, and is committed to making broadband infrastructure deployment in the community a priority. Benefits include:
- Provides the community with the opportunity to identify their requirements and make it easier for the community to assist and work with a provider who seeks to expand services.
- Gives providers a centralized location to identify necessary regulations, and the opportunity to work with a local jurisdiction to address those regulations in an effective manner.
- Through the Community Broadband POC, a liaison is established through whom providers and the community can more easily work with one another, which cuts down on the opportunity for poor communication.
Actions
- Conduct an initial meeting of involved parties, with a request that any needs/concerns they have related to broadband be brought to this formative meeting.
- Hold a second meeting of this group and others who were identified during the first meeting to review the local regulations and requirements and to discuss any new requirements that may have been thought of.
- Hold a 3rd meeting to review the final list of local regulations and ensure that the responsible bodies have the necessary action items to amend those requirements/policies and to identify the Community Broadband POC candidates.
- Pass the necessary language in the governing bodies to amend any necessary regulations or policies, as well as authorizing the SPOC according to local law.
- Publish the list of requirements along with the necessary electronic documentation as well as the contact information for the SPOC.
- Promote the Digital Ready Community site and SPOC, and apply for Certification by completing the application and submitting all necessary documentation
Responsible Parties
Local government, utilities, planning commissions, zoning boards, other right-of-way managers, etc.
Resources
Model Ordinances/Resolutions from various states:
MN Telecommuter Forward: https://mn.gov/deed/assets/telecommuter-forward-application-model-resolution-word_tcm1045-413760.docx
Tennessee Broadband Ready: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/ecd/documents/broadband/Broadband_Ordinance_SAMPLE.PDF
Georgia Broadband Ready: https://broadband.georgia.gov/media/4/download
Description
High capital investment costs, including permit processing, pole attachment costs, and lack of effective planning and coordination with public authorities, negatively impact the case for deployment. For example, the FCC’s National Broadband Plan concludes that, “the rates, terms, and conditions for access to rights-of-way [including pole attachments] significantly impact broadband deployment.” The costs associated with obtaining permits and leasing pole attachments and rights-of-way is one of the most expensive cost functions in a service provider’s plans to expand or upgrade service, especially in rural markets where the ratio of poles to households goes off the charts. Furthermore, the process is time consuming. “Make ready” work, which involves moving wires and other equipment attached to a pole to ensure proper spacing between equipment and compliance with electric and safety codes, can take months to complete., Community and provider collaboration to problem solve around local pole attachment and other right-of-way issues is one of the most effective opportunities to encourage faster, new deployment of infrastructure.
Goals
Ensure that local policies and ordinances are conducive to wired and wireless broadband build-out.
Actions
- Speak with providers and determine barriers they face at a local and county level
- Review local policies, ordinances, and other barriers to broadband deployment and consult with community leaders, providers, utilities, and other members of the community to ensure that they are supporting policies (local ordinances, pole attachments, rights-of-way) that are conducive to broadband build-out., Develop an awareness campaign targeting local government leaders to inform them of the benefits of broadband to the entire community
- Compare local policies to those in other communities where broadband build-out has been more successful.
- Continue to review best practices regarding broadband build-out policies to determine that your community remains up-to-date on its policies.
Responsible Parties
Local units of government, particular planning and zoning officials; Broadband providers; County government, particular road commissions; Utility companies and pole owners; Others with right-of-way jurisdiction
Resources
Model Codes for Municipalities from the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee: https://bit.ly/3bSv92c
Accelerating Broadband Infrastructure Deployment from the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and The Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs: https://bit.ly/35jMBtN
Description
Teleworking offers significant benefits to employers, employees, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs. Benefits include businesses’ infrastructure savings, emissions reduction, and congestion management. Further, teleworking can help businesses and government agencies reduce real estate, energy, and other overhead costs, using the savings to avoid job cuts or to hire new staff. Research has shown that teleworking programs can increase an employer’s productivity and enable it to continue operating without skipping a beat in the face of a natural disaster or other emergency situation that might otherwise bring business to a halt. Teleworking allows employees to lower their commuting costs, and accommodates people with disabilities, the elderly, working mothers, and rural residents who may not be in a position to work outside the home.It is unlikely that all employees will be able to telework. A good way to start is to identify types of positions or job types that can be performed remotely and initiate a trial period and track results. Get feedback from all involved regarding the benefits and challenges and fine-tune as needed.
Goals
Promote or develop flexible efficient and effective work arrangements.
Actions
- Establish a cross-functional project team, including labor representatives, employers, educators, and other stakeholders.
- Conduct assessment of teleworker and organization technology needs.
- Identify eligibility criteria to ensure that teleworkers are selected on an equitable basis using criteria such as suitability of tasks and employee performance.
- Promote the establishment of teleworking pilot programs among local employers.
- Develop a telework agreement template for use between teleworkers and their managers.
- Track changes to the teleworking needs among businesses and workers, adjusting the telework promotion to best suit your community’s current and future needs.
Responsible Parties
Businesses; Business organizations, (e.g., chambers of commerce, economic development corporations, associations, etc.); Citizens and interest groups
Resources
Building a Telework Program: https://bit.ly/3bUaNWf
Description
Telemedicine (or telehealth) can help to address challenges associated with living in sparsely populated areas and having to travel long distances to seek medical care—particularly for patients with chronic illnesses. It also addresses the issue of the lack of medical specialists in remote areas by awarding access to specialists in major hospitals situated in other cities, states, or countries. While telemedicine can be delivered to patient homes, it can also be implemented in partnership with local clinics, libraries, churches, schools, or businesses that have the appropriate equipment and staff to manage it. The most critical steps in promoting telemedicine are ensuring that patients and medical professionals have access to broadband service, understanding the benefitst and barriers of telemedicine, being aware of the technologies required for such a service, and understanding how to develop, deliver, use, and evaluate telemedicine services.
Goals
Identify ways to deliver improved Health care services to rural residents.
Actions
- Create a working group to lead the initiative.
- Identify the local benefits of and barriers to implementing telehealth programs among patients and Health care providers.
- Engage telehealth solutions providers and internet service providers to explore opportunities to addressing the identified barriers.
- Identify telehealth funding opportunities.
- Develop a plan for implementing the identified solutions and seek funding.
- Engage the public to build awareness for new telehealth services and assess the impact of the serivces. Adjust the implementation plan accordingly
Responsible Parties
Health Care Providers, Internet Service Providers, Public Health Agencies, Community Service Organizations, Citizens
Resources
Seven Actions Providers Can Take to Launch Telemedicine Services Successfully: http://www.medialogic.com/health-care-marketing/blog/7-actions-providers-can-take-to-launch-telemedicine-services-successfully/
Connected Nation Michigan's Health Care from Anywhere - Telehealth Use and Perceptions in Rural Michigan: https://s3.amazonaws.com/connected-nation/3b1ccd9a-edb2-410a-a790-ad5f7f5443e6/CN_TELEHEALTH_2020_022720_FINAL.pdf
Description
Online content and web-enabled course delivery can provide opportunities for learning beyond the traditional face-to-face course format found in many K-12 institutions. These applications can be further bolstered by providing students with their own internet-enabled devices. Advancements in technology and personal computing provide new opportunities for student engagement and learning. Implementing a 1:1 device program is not a light undertaking, and it requires the input and dedication of administrators, teachers, and students.
Goals
Improve student learning through individualized devices with access to the internet.
Actions
- Create your 1:1 vision and leadership. A 1:1 program is not about the devices; rather, it’s about creating an environment where all students have greater access to learning resources. Planning teams should include a diverse array of stakeholders from the school including administrators, teachers, students, and others.
- Research implementation options: Many schools have implemented 1:1 device programs across the country, some more successfully than others. The State of Texas has its own Operation Connectivity program; other resources include FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit programs and the AT&T K-12 Homework Gap program, with which Bastrop ISD is currently partnering. Seek out examples from similar districts and see how those practices can benefit your community.
- Assess district readiness: There are a number of factors to consider including leadership, long-term funding, staff skillsets, training/professional development, enabling or hindering policies, device purchase vs. bring-your-own-device model, internet connection and wireless capabilities, etc.
- Hire a project manager and consult with experts: Topical and technical expertise could be beneficial to the project to bring outside perspective, experience, and knowledge of how to successfully implement the program.
- Create a strategic plan: The strategic plan should outline the vision, research, and readiness work completed to date, and should also include goals and objectives, communications plans, finances, hardware and infrastructure, capacity building, benchmarking, and project timelines.
- Develop a financial plan: A minimum five-year financial plan should be in place when implementation begins. Short and long-term funding should be considered as devices age, need maintenance and need replacing, and bandwidth increased.
- Assess infrastructure needs: 1:1 device programs require robust infrastructure to support the connectivity of hundreds or thousands of new devices. Infrastructure issues include bandwidth, connectivity and access points, data systems, data management and storage, mobile device management, security and content filtering (if applicable), tech support and maintenance, etc. Consider a pilot: Pilot programs help to demonstrate capabilities and help to work out bugs and test various solutions.
- Ensure curriculum and pedagogy embrace technology: New technology brings new ways to deliver knowledge. Curriculum directors, teachers, and students should examine and research new ways to leverage student devices in and out of the classroom.
- Develop/participate in collaborative and ongoing professional development: New technology and curriculum requires new and ongoing professional development for instructors. Professional development should follow a cycle of learning, discussing, testing, and adjusting until new curriculum and methods work for students.
Responsible Parties
K-12 Schools, Parents and Students, Internet Service Providers, Community Service Organizations, Libraries
Resources
University of Connecticut NEAG School of Education's Preparing a School District for a 1:1 Technology Initiative: https://education.uconn.edu/2018/06/06/preparing-a-school-district-for-a-11-technology-initiative-issue-brief/
Ten Rules for a Successful One-to-One Classroom: https://www.weareteachers.com/10-rules-for-a-successful-one-to-one-classroom/
Five Steps for Implementing a Successful 1:1 Environment: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/one-to-one-environment-andrew-marcinek
Description
Just as it’s important to have a quality broadband connection, it’s important to understand what makes a good connection, meets your needs, and how to ensure that everyone is doing their part to ensure a quality connection. Educating and informing the general population about connectivity, how to trouble shoot their connections, and ways to maximize their own wi-fi networks is just one way that a community can help with broadband networks and the perceived quality of those networks. The community will work to determine several outreach items to include handouts, videos, social media posts, and other items to be used locally to educate and inform the public of high-speed internet connections and common connectivity issues. These materials should help consumers with understanding and selecting broadband services, how to troubleshoot common issues, and how to assess the quality of the services that they subscribe to. Community leaders will determine the most effective formats for materials and outreach, and work with a team to develop those resources. Once those resources have been created, a “blitz” style media launch should be deployed to ensure that members of the public become aware, are educated, and have access to the created materials. Working with local media outlets, utilities, public agencies, and or other local businesses, will also be a significant way to help distribute and educate the community.
Goals
To create a more informed and educated consumer by providing easy-to-understand information regarding high-speed internet (broadband) connections including but not limited to: a) troubleshooting common issues regarding speed and lost connections; b) how to verify consumers are getting what they’ve paid for; and c) when to call their provider versus the city.
Actions
- Identify content
- Develop a communications plan
- Determine communication types that will best meet the needs of the community
- Development collateral materials including, but not limited to fact sheets, website updates, utility bill inserts, video scripts, social media and blog posts, etc.
- Launch all communications through a "media blitz" style campaign
- Monitor and support community questions and develop additional materials in response to community feedback as needed
Responsible Parties
Community and business leaders; Civic leaders and organization members; Community Anchor Institutions; Local Media; Libraries; Schools; Local businesses
Resources
Town of Prosper, TX Broadband Service Improvements: https://www.prospertx.gov/broadband-service-improvements/
Description
High capital investment costs, including permit processing, pole attachment costs, and lack of effective planning and coordination with public authorities, negatively impact the case for deployment. For example, the FCC’s National Broadband Plan concludes that, “the rates, terms, and conditions for access to rights-of-way [including pole attachments] significantly impact broadband deployment.” The costs associated with obtaining permits and leasing pole attachments and rights-of-way is one of the most expensive cost functions in a service provider’s plans to expand or upgrade service, especially in rural markets where the ratio of poles to households goes off the charts. Furthermore, the process is time consuming. “Make ready” work, which involves moving wires and other equipment attached to a pole to ensure proper spacing between equipment and compliance with electric and safety codes, can take months to complete. Community and provider collaboration to problem-solve around local pole attachment and other right-of-way issues is one of the most effective opportunities to encourage faster, new deployment of infrastructure.
Goals
Ensure that local policies and ordinances are conducive to wired and wireless broadband build-out.
Actions
- Speak with providers and determine barriers they face at a local and county level
- Review local policies, ordinances, and other barriers to broadband deployment and consult with community leaders, providers, utilities, and other members of the community to ensure that they are supporting policies (local ordinances, pole attachments, rights-of-way) that are conducive to broadband build-out., Develop an awareness campaign targeting local government leaders to inform them of the benefits of broadband to the entire community
- Compare local policies to those in other communities where broadband build-out has been more successful.
- Continue to review best practices regarding broadband build-out policies to determine that your community remains up-to-date on its policies.
Responsible Parties
Local units of government, particular planning and zoning officials; Broadband providers; County government, particular road commissions; Utility companies and pole owners; Others with right-of-way jurisdiction
Resources
Model Codes for Municipalities from the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee: https://bit.ly/3bSv92c
Accelerating Broadband Infrastructure Deployment from the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and The Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs: https://bit.ly/35jMBtN
Description
To maximize the benefits that wireless hotspots provide, a community must ensure there are a sufficient number of hotspots available, along with a published inventory of the locations of each wireless hotspot. Wireless hotspots are classified as free or available for a fee. Hotspots are often found at restaurants, train stations, airports, libraries, hotels, hospitals, coffee shops, bookstores, fuel stations, department stores, supermarkets, RV parks and campgrounds, public pay phones, and other public places. Many universities and schools have wireless networks on their campuses as well.
Goals
Expand access to broadband by increasing the number of publicly-available Wi-Fi hotspots.
Actions
- Develop an inventory of public Wi-Fi hotspots in the community Wi-Fi inventory
- Conduct an analysis to identify key areas and organizations for the expansion of local wireless hotspots
- The local Chamber of Commerce and tourism groups should promote the hotspots to ensure maximum visibility in the community
Responsible Parties
Community and business leaders; Civic leaders and organization members; Citizens; Local Government; Broadband Providers; Community Anchor Institutions
Resources
Mapping Community Wi-Fi Access: http://tech.ed.gov/stories/mapping-community-wifi-access/
Community Wi-Fi – A Primer: http://www.cablelabs.com/community-wi-fi-a-primer/
Map of Wi-Fi hotspots in Illinois: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=23e8046edd2940bc8ad3ad1725e47cd0
Free Wi-Fi hotspot locator apps: https://www.lifewire.com/free-online-wifi-hotspot-locators-818276