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Fiber Broadband Completion Task Force
Minutes and Agendas
Minutes and agendas can be found in the Agenda center by following the link here.
Committee Purpose and Background
The purpose of the Fiber Broadband Completion Task Force (FBCTF), as voted by Article 41 of the 2021 Annual Town Meeting, is to study and recommend appropriate solutions for the completion of Concord’s fiber optic network, known as Concord Light Broadband, so that this network can offer broadband service throughout the Town.
A recent GIS data analysis found that 5 - 7% of residential parcels are without Fiber Broadband access, either by under-ground or overhead cable, representing 20 - 25% of individual addresses. Residents in affordable housing, condominiums, or apartments may face difficulties connecting to the Town’s fiber network.
The FBCC will study alternative approaches to network completion and provide a written report of recommended actions and strategies for the Town Manager and Select Board to consider. The report will present solutions, including possible funding, for three distinct aspects of network completion, or subject areas:
(a) recommending ways to expedite the installation of fiber-optic telecommunications utility service on the remaining 5 - 7% of Town streets that lacks such service
(b) exploring barriers to Concord Light Broadband subscription growth
(c) investigating opportunities for expanding fiber-to-the-home and fiber-to-the-business.
This Task Force will explore the barriers to broadband adoption in a targeted, focused effort. It will revisit the fiber completion strategy on behalf of the community. The report will provide the Light Board, the Select Board, and the Town Manager with information needed to form rational policy decisions on laying fiber to homes and businesses in Concord.
Emails can be sent to the committee by completing the form linked here.
Name | Position |
---|---|
Gordon Brockway | Light Board Representative |
Scott Hopkinson | PEG Access Advisory Committee Representative |
David Hesel | HOA (Home Owners Association) Representative |
Gail Hire | Citizen at large Representative |
Mark Howell | Citizen at large Representative, Task Force Chairperson |
Fiber Maps and GIS (Geographic Information System) Data:
Broadband Availability Map: Broadband Available ArcGIS Online tools from Concord Broadband to check for known availability.
GIS Data Analysis – Preliminary map link: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=33ab6e1bd086442994735c945614ae10&extent=-71.4463,42.4187,-71.2517,42.5013
Telecommunication Financials:
Enterprise Budget Books: https://concordma.gov/253/Enterprise-Fund-Budgets
2018 Enterprise Budget Hearing: Article 47 - Light Plant Expenditures and PILOT PH Pres 03-12-18
FY22 Enterprise Budget Book: Telecom on p.38 and following. https://concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29426/FY22-Enterprise-Budget-Book
Underground Bylaw No New Construction of Utility Poles and Overhead Wires Bylaw (PDF) from Town Bylaws Page: Town Bylaws