SUMMARY:

The Infrastructure Task Force was held on Feb. 23, 2022, and included representatives across multiple sectors. The objective of the Infrastructure Task Force is to find barriers and opportunities to complete high-quality broadband infrastructure deployment to all residents and businesses, especially in underserved communities.

There was an extensive discussion by Taskforce members on the status of several existing, ongoing projects, including Middle Mile deployment strategies, Catalina Island’s ocean fiber project, fiber to home, high-speed connectivity projects in Lynnwood, funding opportunities, the Bureau of Street Lighting and their interconnectivity with broadband.

Taskforce members also shared challenges on the lack of right of entry as a barrier along with delays and permitting and the length it takes for the process, and an upcoming report from Southern California Council of Governments on incorporating broadband as part of transportation projects.

Bill Allen, CEO & President, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) led the meeting called summarized by calling it “a great sharing of information.”

Resources

• Press Release from Verizon: Verizon and LA Unified partner to provide connectivity to California families: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-la-unified-partner-provide-connectivity-california-families

• CCF Digital Equity resource on “Better Data for Better Broadband”: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1L_tgpxu_n-S2U_vpwh6JaMkC_Z-0Bh3A/edit#slide=id.g11310c451f8_0_20

• Letter to in support to “Allow expansion of E-Rate program, WC Docket No. 21-476 Affordable Connectivity Program, to support LA County’s ‘Investments to Accelerate Digital Equity Initiative’”: https://www.lacoe.edu/Portals/0/FCC_(2022-02-15)%20Delete%20the%20Divide_CommentsLACounty.pdf?ver=2022-02-16-111515-320

• CPUC Rulemaking R20-08-021: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/events-and-meetings/cpuc-voting-meeting-02-24-2022

• Information on Los Angeles County Wireless Facility Ordinances (WFO) revisions: https://planning.lacounty.gov/wireless

Updated: Apr 12

Identifying barriers and opportunities to complete high-quality broadband infrastructure deployment to all residents and businesses, especially in unserved and underserved communities.