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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of Intro 1122 - Requiring comprehensive broadband expansion plan
0:15:22
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99 sec
OTI addresses Intro 1122, sponsored by Chair Gutierrez, which would require OTI to publish a plan for universal, affordable, and equitable Internet availability in homes throughout the city every five years, along with annual progress reports.
- OTI agrees with the importance of affordable in-home broadband access for all New Yorkers
- They express concerns that the legislation may not align with current work and future planning
- OTI notes that the bill touches on many items they are currently addressing, including digital inclusion efforts and incentivization for multitenant structures
- They express interest in discussing ways to better align on aspects of the legislation not addressed by their recent plans
Brett Sikoff
0:15:22
Finally, Intro eleven twenty two, sponsored by Chair Gutierrez, would require OTI to publish a plan to make universal affordable and equitable Internet available in homes throughout the city.
0:15:33
The plan would be required to be published every five years along with an annual progress report.
0:15:39
This bill also establishes an advisory board that would review OTI's plans and make recommendations.
0:15:45
It is laudable for the council to advocate for a future proof broadband plan that envisions access for all.
0:15:52
We agree that it is important for all New Yorkers to have access to affordable in home broadband, and we are aligned on the importance of setting goals to increase that access.
0:16:01
However, we have concerns that the legislation, as written, does not align with our current work and future planning, could result in the duplication of efforts, and assumes future funding streams that may not materialize.
0:16:15
As we have laid out above, OTI has several ongoing and planned efforts with respect to broadband and digital equity.
0:16:21
The digital equity roadmap underscores many of those efforts and lays out the groundwork for both short and long term goals.
0:16:28
As written, Intro eleven twenty two does touch on many of the items we are currently working to address, including digital inclusion efforts and the incentivization for multitenant structures.
0:16:40
Other areas the legislation seeks to address, including creating opportunities for nonprofit and MWB ISPs and expanding Wi Fi availability within city buildings, come with unknown budget implications.
0:16:53
We're interested in discussing the ways we may better align on other aspects of the legislation that the council feels have not been addressed by our recently proposed plans.