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Committee forwards amended digital-equity resolution after hearing private-sector 5G pitches and city progress reports
Summary
The committee heard private carriers, small providers and ten city departments on digital-equity efforts; carriers promoted 5G/fixed-wireless and urged permitting and MLA changes, while city agencies detailed fiber-to-housing connections, community hubs and device distribution. Supervisor Asha Safaie's resolution was amended and recommended to the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Asha Safaie opened a multi-department hearing on the digital divide and a resolution urging adoption of three Economic Recovery Task Force recommendations: provide high-quality computers to vulnerable populations, expand affordable connectivity, and build capacity for new users and small businesses.
Private-sector witnesses said faster deployment and partnership with industry could accelerate access. Rudy Reyes (Verizon) promoted 5G fixed-wireless as a near-term solution for last-mile access and urged the city to renegotiate a costly Master License Agreement for pole attachments, streamline permitting and allow techniques such as microtrenching. Cammy Blackstone (AT&T) and Dylan Au Young (Comcast) described existing discount offers (AT&T's ACCESS, Comcast's Internet Essentials), hotspot programs for SFUSD and large private investments; they also urged streamlined city permitting to shorten deployment timelines.
Community-based providers and nonprofits pressed for equity-first approaches: scale the city's Fiber-to-Housing program (which city staff said has connected more than 7,300 affordable housing units to date), increase funding for community-based digital-literacy programs, and ensure hiring and contracting includes underrepresented neighborhoods. Multiple callers emphasized that access without literacy and local supports leaves communities behind.
Ten city departments outlined existing work: MOHCD described a five-year digital-equity strategic plan; the Department of Technology said fiber-to-housing has connected roughly 7,300 units and that further expansion would need funding ($42 million cited as an estimate to connect more units); DCYF described 84 community learning hubs that serve school-age students; HSH and HSA described connectivity at shelters, navigation centers and permanent supportive housing; the library and community-based programs offered devices and training; OEWD described workforce and small-business digital-support programs.
Supervisor Safaie offered clerical amendments to the resolution to tighten language and set a June 1, 2021 deadline for the Department of Technology to provide a cost estimate and a 20-year review of city efforts. Chair Marr moved to (a) continue Item 3 to the call of the chair, (b) amend Item 4 as read, and (c) recommend the resolution to the full Board as amended. Each motion passed on roll-call votes (3-0). The committee asked departments to continue coordination and return with additional detail as the Board considers funding and implementation paths.
