Agenda

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ARF- 3806

2. A.

Work Session

Meeting Date:	07/12/2016
Submitted By:	Marian Sheppard, Clerk of the Board
Department:	Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

Information

Request/Subject

Establishing Broadband Availability and Resiliency in Gila County

Background Information

The Central and Northern Arizona Broadband Consortium is working to establish broadband availability and resiliency in Gila, Apache and Navajo Counties. Members of the Consortium would like to provide the Board of Supervisors with an update on the status of the project to include a summary of the Central Arizona Broadband Technical Report.

Sandy Palmer, Manager for the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Gila (IDA) on behalf of the Consortium, contacted the Board of Supervisors' Office to request permission to present information on this topic at the Board's June 28, 2016, Work Session.

Evaluation

The Rim Country (northern Gila County area) experienced 3 major Internet and cell service outages in less than 12 months, as follows: December 16, 2014 - 8+ hours; February 25, 2015 - 8+ hours; and, September 28, 2015 - 13 hours. Each outing had a devastating impact on the residents and the economy.

Until broadband resiliency is established, the Rim Country will remain in a very vulnerable position. Lack of broadband resiliency impacts quality of life and cripples economic growth. Navajo County and Apache County face the same challenge.

Conclusion

It would benefit the Board of Supervisors to receive information and discuss broadband coverage and performance across the state, especially in northern Gila County.

Recommendation

N/A

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion regarding establishing broadband availability and resiliency in Gila County. (Jim Simms)

Attachments
Broadband Gap Presentation Provided at the Meeting
Central Arizona Broadband Technical Report