City of San Bernardino
Broadband Strategic Master Plan
November 6, 2024
Project Overview
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 2
Goal: Develop a Broadband Strategic Master Plan
Steps Taken
• Conducted needs assessment
• Analyzed market and business models
• Explored cost and financing options
• Identified community needs and issues
• Developed recommendations
Needs Assessment
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 3
Issues Analyzed
• Legal and Regulatory Authority
• Media Options
• Existing Infrastructure
• Network Ownership Risks
• Existing Challenges
Comparison of Business Models
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 4
Potential Business Models
• Retail Subscription Service Provider Model
• Wholesale Model
• Open Access Model
• Advertisement Model
Recommendation: Open Access Model
Benefits of Open Access Models
• Ability to deliver value for investment
• Broadest segment of the population benefits
• Balanced approach
• Delivers the most significant infrastructure
development and community benefits
Comprehensive Risk Analysis
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 5
Risk Assessment Phases
• Planning
• Design
• Deployment
• Operations
• Maintenance
Sample City-Specific Risks Analyzed
• Environmental Regulations and Compliance
• Construction Delays and Costs
• Permitting and Compliance
• Operational Restrictions
• Supply Chain Issues
Cost Modeling
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 6
Assumed Costs & Return on Investment (ROI)
• $633 - $645 million total projected cost.
Includes: staffing, mainline fiber, electronics,
engineering and construction management,
and service drops
• Revenue exceeds network costs in Year 10
• 46 years to recoup ROI
• $19.5 million annual revenue
• $7.9 million budget
Financial Options
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 7
Mix of Funding Recommended
• Revenue Bonds
• Utility Fees
• Public-Private Partnerships
Setting Up Public Private Partnerships For Success
• Careful planning, clear contractual
agreements, and ongoing collaboration
• Aligning interests and effective risk
management
• Focus on financial and social objectives
Community Engagement
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 8
Engagement Approach
• Meaningful, diverse,
inclusive
Events & Information Sharing
• Taskforce
• Stakeholder roundtables
• Public meetings
Data Gathering
• Survey
• ISP interviews
• GIS mapping
What We Learned
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 9
• Affordability is a key community
challenge
• Concerns about lack of provider
competition
• Reliability was identified as an
issue by residents and businesses
• Many students still rely on mobile
hotspots and cell phones for
access
• Cybersecurity is a longstanding
issue
What We Learned Continued
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 10
FCC National Broadband Data
June 2023
• Ample infrastructure exists, but there
are still underserved areas
• Connectivity issues reported in the
northside, 6th ward, and Delmann
Heights
• Building a municipally-owned
network is not financially sustainable
or necessary
• It would take more than 45 years
to recoup the investment
Recommendations
Broadband Strategic Master Plan 11
• Communicate and negotiate with
ISPs
• Encourage eligible entities to
apply for funding
• Pursue local partnerships to
address broadband adoption,
digital inclusion, and digital equity
• Support participation in California
LifeLine
• Advocate for closing the digital
divide
Project Q&A
Thank you for the opportunity
to work with you!