This is a call for help, specifically to each and every one of you.
We are very serious about correcting erroneous information on the state
(CPUC) broadband map. We see these mapping errors as a GREAT IMPEDIMENT
to conquering the digital divide here in the Sierras. If these errors
remain, we will not be able to attract Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
especially the smaller local ones to take on projects to extend service
into unserved and underserved areas in our region. Meanwhile, we fall
further and further behind the high speed internet curve, which impacts
our economic viability for businesses and the tourist trade and our
ability to provide our K-16 students with the tools they need to compete
with the rest of the world in their education. (OK, that is my elevator
speech!)
Now, what we aim to do about it: Your CSC Core Group (Shelly,
Darrell and I) are planning to roll out an incentivized campaign for the
month of July, 2014 for the whole 5 county region to get our citizens
to contact us (so we can report to the CPUC) using this tool that
Steering Committee member, Greg Falken created:
http://gregfalken.com/mapping.html
Right
now, what we are asking you to do, is go to this link and fill out the
form. Then submit it. By Friday, 6/20/14. Please note any direction we
may have left out, or any hesitation you think people might have in
filling this form out, so we can address any issues before we roll it
out on July 1.
Even if you have already gone to the CPUC website and "mapped your
speed" before, will you please do this in the next few days and then
send me an email with your questions and suggestions?
We
will also be coming up with an outreach campaign for this project within
the next week. If you belong to a group that you can dispatch our
materials to once July hits, please send us the group's name and
approximate number of members, and a contact person's name and email
address. We will need all the help we can get to not only spread the
word for this campaign, but also to get people to respond!! Our goal is
to have at least 500 responses, region-wide. Can you help us achieve
this? Who else would you suggest we reach out to? Email us your
suggestions to help us attain critical mass and an unbelievable response
rate!!!
More on this campaign (strategy and messages we wish to impart) in another email next week.
Here is the first step. We are looking for every Steering Committee member to respond.
Thanks for your help,
Kathleen
