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Pat PryorTwo state experts provided a community briefing Monday on programs at the state and federal level related to the development of broadband service, invited by the County’s Broadband Committee to assist as the committee works to help shape future County policy regarding the extension of high-speed internet access to all parts of Tompkins County.

David Salway, director of the Enterprise Program and Performance Management Office and the Broadband Program Management Office for the office of New York State Chief Information Officer and Office for Technology, and William F. Johnson, Deputy Director for the New York State Office of Cyber Security, offered information and answered questions, at a special community meeting sponsored by the Broadband Committee.

The special committee, established last year, by Legislature Chair Martha Robertson, is charged with exploring issues and advising the Legislature on how to best promote broadband technology countywide, addressing the needs of unserved and underserved residents, fostering public-private innovation, enhancing existing capabilities, and supporting good governance.

Mr. Salway outlined the New York State Broadband Plan and the National Broadband Plan.  Both programs seek to document and analyze where broadband service is available and also consider the adoption rate—that is, where such service is available, what proportion of potential users takes advantage of it.  Among the long-term goals of the national plan is to make broadband service available for all U.S. residents and to increase the adoption rate from the current 65% to 90%.  (The charge for the County Broadband Committee was drafted using the outline of the National Broadband Plan.)  Mr. Johnson described the State’s broadband mapping program and its results so far.

Legislator Pat Pryor, who chairs the Broadband Committee noted that the committee’s investigation of unmet needs for high speed access includes many factors—where there is no coverage, where coverage is unreliable, slow, or unaffordable, and where broadband is available what other needs exist.  Over the past five months, the committee has been gathering information and working toward recommendations in the areas of  the level and quality of current access; funding (including possible partnerships or collaborations); and how to increase awareness regarding broadband service issues.  She noted that Monday’s presentations were important to help the committee, and the community, “stay abreast of the latest developments in broadband service.”

Mr. Johnson reported the mapping in general shows a high level of broadband availability in the state, but conceded there could be a bit of inflation in the data, since the information is organized by U.S. Census blocks.  He also said, while the data for Tompkins County shows widespread availability, there are areas not served, and that adoption rate factors such as affordability are yet documented.

Asked what the County might do to assist and prepare to be well positioned for competition for future broadband funding, the speakers suggested the committee review and validate the available data; assess community needs for broadband service including the type of support that would be helpful; and examine the broadband map and alert the State about any data adjustments that might be needed.

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