Agenda Item 2a: TARA Office Briefing on GTOPs Grant Reviewers, Increasing Broadband Access, and GTOPs Mini — original pdf

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TARA Office Briefing John Speirs, Program Manager Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Office February 10, 2021 Increasing Broadband Access ATX Digital Access Forum - Stories from Austin community members about their experiences with digital access such as home internet and computer devices. - https://www.speakupaustin.org/digital-access-tara ConnectionTest ATX - This platform on Speed Up America’s platform surveys respondents via wireless and wireline connections to test their speed, both upload and download, and advertised speed they are paying for internet service. - Pitch for technical buildout to OpenAustin scheduled for mid-February 2021 Residential Technology Study Update A. Update our understanding of technology access (connections, devices, digital skills) citywide in 2021. B. Understand challenges and barriers facing the least digitally included, and what resources or programs might help. 1. How residents access and use the internet 2. Challenges and barriers residents face Evaluate awareness and access to services 1. 2. Connect communities to existing (particularly during COVID-19) 3. How internet access and use varies by 3. demographics resources, if appropriate Identify challenges and needs that are not served by existing resources or services >> Mostly quantitative >> Mostly qualitative Qualitative is useful for #2. Need to leverage insights from past/ongoing qualitative efforts (e.g., Mission Capital/United Way focus groups). Surveys and data on existing services can tell us about current usage, but not about non-usership and needs beyond existing services. 2021 Residential Technology Study Update A. Update our understanding of technology access (connections, devices, digital skills) citywide in 2021. B. Understand challenges and barriers facing the least digitally included, and what resources or programs might help. 1. How residents access and use the internet 2. Challenges and barriers residents face Evaluate awareness and access to services 1. 2. Connect communities to existing (particularly during COVID-19) 3. How internet access and use varies by 3. demographics resources, if appropriate Identify challenges and needs that are not served by existing resources or services >> Mostly quantitative >> Mostly qualitative Qualitative is useful for #2. Need to leverage insights from past/ongoing qualitative efforts (e.g., Mission Capital/United Way focus groups). Surveys and data on existing services can tell us about current usage, but not about non-usership and needs beyond existing services. Methods to consider for stipend to GTOPs Reviewers Research goals: Evaluate the City’s precedent for payment. Understand what is reasonable to consider . Identify challenges and needs that are not served by existing structure. Potential methods, based on the goals: Gift Cards Stipends Volunteer Position Benefits Low-effort to issue, existing policy in place Offers one-time payment for time Maintains volunteer aspect of program Limitations May not benefit all participants Stronger financial requirements, may not be as timely for payment Limits number of potential participants due to time required Relative level of effort Low-Med Resources needed Med-High No Change Budget Required | Formal Sign-off by Law/Purchasing | Commission Approval