CUB Backs New Digital Inclusion Efforts

We have much to report on the telecommunications front. But two topics stand out: CUB’s participation with a City of Portland and Multnomah County partnership to develop a three-year Digital Equity Action Plan (DEAP), and our strong endorsement of key digital inclusion provisions within the City of Portland’s new Comprehensive Plan (as well as opposition to amendments that would weaken these provisions).

DEAP: Beginning with 2014’s Digital Inclusion Summit, and culminating with strategic workshops last fall, CUB had the great pleasure of helping to create the DEAP. We will continue participating in carrying out the specific goals and objectives of the plan by working with the regional Digital Inclusion Network (DIN) on an ongoing basis.

Broadband internet is largely unregulated, at least at the state level. Given the challenges entailed by this lack of regulation, CUB is particularly interested in advocating for fast, reliable, and affordable access for consumers. Fair inclusion in the digital world is critical for anyone needing access to employment, education, and medical services, as well as wanting to participate civically in any meaningful way.

CUB offered testimony in support of the DEAP before both Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commission, and the separate Resolutions passed with unanimous support. Now the real work begins.

Comprehensive Plan: The Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) developed several policies around digital inclusion during consideration of the City’s new Comprehensive Plan. But the City Attorney’;s office has proposed amendments that would significantly dilute the needed policy recommendations.

While the City’s Comprehensive Plan is at its core a land-use plan, it’s also a framework to inform innovative decision-making for the benefit of City residents over the long term. When comprehensive city plans were first being developed in the 1980s, transportation planning was often left out because it was considered an auxiliary issue. But it has become evident in the 21st century that transportation is critical to the capacity of cities to provide essential services. CUB believes that the same connection must be made with digital inclusion. Open data and equitable broadband adoption are necessary to ensuring that Portland remains an equitable place to live as its population and economy continue to grow.

While private utility, internet service, and technology companies provide essential communication services to Portlanders, the City does regulate some aspects of those services, such as facility siting. And through past Broadband Adoption Plans, and now the DEAP Resolution, the City has displayed a strong track record of promoting fair and affordable access to emerging technology and communications services for all Portland residents.

Therefore, by removing key language around open data, broadband adoption, and encouraging regulatory investments in new technology and communications infrastructure, neither the City’s Comprehensive Plan nor the DEAP carry the necessary “teeth” to protect equitable digital inclusion.

While we can’t know precisely what Portland or Oregon, or the world for that matter, will look like in 10 or 20 years, it’s a safe bet to assume that the internet and data-driven decision making will play a major role in building healthier, more vibrant, and equitable communities.

Knowing this, the City Council has an opportunity this week to either lead the charge or bring up the rear. CUB opposes amendments that weaken new policy around digital inclusion, so we are urging a “no vote”.

Stay tuned for more updates on the DEAP and the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

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