RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COMMERCE, CALIFORNIA DENOUNCING DIGITAL DISCRIMINATION WHEREAS, the City of Commerce recognizes the critical importance of broadband internet access for full participation in modern society; WHEREAS, digital discrimination occurs when internet service providers (ISPs) inequitably deploy high-speed internet connections or disproportionately withhold the best deals for their services from racially or socio-economically marginalized neighborhoods; WHEREAS, studies have shown that providers systematically offer worse service – slower, delivered over older technology – to low-income communities at a higher price that they offer fast, reliable service to higher income communities; WHEREAS, digital discrimination exacerbates the challenge of affordability and worsens the digital divide; WHEREAS, In November 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) codified rules to prevent digital discrimination, outlining a complaint process whereby members of the public can offer evidence of digital discrimination being committed by Internet service providers (ISPs); WHEREAS, the FCC has defined digital discrimination as “Policies or practices, not justified by genuine issues of technical or economic feasibility, that (1) differentially impact consumers’ access to broadband internet access service based on their income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin or (2) are intended to have such differential impact;” WHEREAS, closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet is necessary for accessing education, health care, and participating in economic opportunities and civic life; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE AND DETERMINE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City of Commerce denounces digital discrimination and commits to addressing the disparate outcomes of provider decisions that impact access to broadband internet based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin.
Section 2. The City of Commerce urges internet service providers to provide fast, reliable, and affordable internet to all communities regardless of income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin.
Section 3. The City of Commerce encourages its residents to report all acts of digital discrimination to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Public Advocates Office of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and Supervisor Janice Hahn, with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Section 4. The City of Commerce supports efforts to close the digital divide and ensure digital equity for all residents.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 28th day of May, 2024. ________________________
Hugo Argumedo, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Lena Shumway City Clerk