Integrating Broadband into Community Planning: A Strategic Approach to Growth, Sustainability, and Inclusive Connectivity
In today’s digital age, broadband has emerged as a critical infrastructure, akin to utilities such as water, electricity and natural gas. Reliable and affordable internet access is the cornerstone of modern communities, driving economic growth, enhancing educational opportunities, and strengthening public safety. Treating broadband as essential infrastructure means prioritising its development, addressing existing gaps and ensuring equitable access for all. This article explores strategic approaches to integrating broadband into community planning, fostering a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Broadband as Critical Infrastructure: The Fourth Utility
Broadband should be viewed as a necessity, just like other utilities. A strategic plan should identify underserved areas, evaluate the impact of broadband on key sectors, and provide actionable solutions to create a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem that supports community needs today and into the future.
Open Access Networks
Encouraging the development of open–access networks that multiple providers can use is crucial. This model offers residents more options, boosts competition, and lowers costs. Public assets like roads and utility corridors can be leveraged to facilitate the laying of fibre for future use.
Public–Private Partnerships (P3/PPP)
Developing a framework in the master plan that outlines how the community can partner with private internet service providers (ISP) is essential. Public money and land can be used to lower the cost of network expansion, especially in hard–to–reach areas. Incentives for private companies, such as tax breaks and streamlined permitting, should be included in the plan.
Implement 'Dig Once' Policies
Integrating broadband infrastructure into existing construction projects through ‘Dig Once’ policies can significantly cut costs and speed up deployment. This approach ensures broadband is always a part of any new construction, promoting responsible right–of–way management.
Community–Centered Broadband Planning
Listening to the community is vital. The master plan should call for ongoing community meetings and input from key groups, community leaders, elected officials, residents, businesses, schools, and hospitals to ensure broadband infrastructure matches the specific needs of the community. A special focus should be on affordability and access for underserved neighborhoods.
Build Complete Streets
Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing and building streets that enables safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Incorporating Smart City elements into Complete Streets is a priority for the Federal Highway Administration.
Sustainability and Resilience
Broadband infrastructure needs to be resilient and environmentally friendly. The master plan should prioritise fibre networks and other sustainable technologies that uses less energy. Redundancy should be built in to keep the network running smoothly, even during disasters.
Securing Federal and State Funding
The master plan should include a strategy for applying for federal and state broadband grants. This ensures the community can take advantage of available funds to support infrastructure projects in the right areas. An agency such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has broadband development funds available.
Zoning and Land Use for Broadband
Updating zoning rules to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure, especially in new developments, is imperative. Broadband should be part of the city's long-term land use strategy, ensuring that future growth includes fibre–ready infrastructure.
Digital Literacy and Workforce Development
Integrating broadband into the city's educational and workforce development goals is essential. Digital literacy programs and equipping residents with the skills needed in a digital economy, helps to improve broadband use and also boost local economies. Importantly, digital literacy enhances personal security, especially for seniors, by helping them recognize and avoid online scams, protect their personal information, and navigate digital platforms with confidence.
Track and Measure Success
Including specific goals for broadband performance in the master plan is vital. Regularly checking to see if the community is hitting targets like speed, affordability, accessibility, and adjusting the strategy as needed, ensures continuous improvement.
By integrating broadband into the master plan, communities can ensure they have the infrastructure to thrive, creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and equity across all neighbourhoods.
