COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

submitted by

ACTION AUDITS, LLC

CARY, N.C. (919) 467-5392

DECEMBER 19, 2011

AUTHORS:

CYNTHIA M. POLS
(202) 328-0654 polscm@gmail.com

CATHARINE B. RICE
(919) 439-9084 ricecb@yahoo.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................i I. PROJECT PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND...................................1 II. PROPOSAL TERMS..........................................................................2 III. ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING COMPUTER FACILITIES.........2
A. GOLDSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY .................................................................................................. 3 B. WREN MEMORIAL LIBRARY ...................................................................................................... 4 C. CHATHAM COUNTY BOOKMOBLE........................................................................................... 7 D. CHATHAM COMMUNITY LIBRARY .......................................................................................... 8 E. CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE--SILER CITY......................................... 11 F. CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE--PITTSBORO CAMPUS....................... 14 G. CHATHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS................................................................................................. 16

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................19
A. PRIMARY COMPUTER CENTER............................................................................................... 19
1. Western Chatham County Focus ....................................................................................................................19 2. Maximize Value of Computer Resources at Central Carolina Community College--Siler City Campus.......24

B. ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS COMPUTING AND INTERNET ACCESS DEFICITS IN THE COUNTY................................................................................................................... 27
1. Libraries...........................................................................................................................................................27 a. Goldston and Siler City Libraries...............................................................................................................28 b. Pittsboro Library.........................................................................................................................................28 c. All Chatham Libraries.................................................................................................................................29 d. Funding for Schools and Libraries: E-rate..................................................................................................29 e. Funding for Schools, Libraries, and Nonprofits: In-kind Services.............................................................29 2. Senior Citizen Centers.....................................................................................................................................30 3. Public Schools.................................................................................................................................................31 4. In-home Computers and Broadband Service: Private Sector..........................................................................31 5. Expand Broadband Availability.......................................................................................................................33

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the Computer Center Project is to develop a long-term plan for economic growth, jobs, and workforce development through improved computer access at publicly accessible sites in Chatham County. This project started with the premise that the County should establish a new primary computer center for County residents. We quickly discovered that baseline publicly owned computer facilities already exist in the Countys public libraries and at the two community campuses in the County and turned our focus to looking at ways to improve these facilities and maximize their value to the community. This report recommends that the County first focus on the western area of the County, where income, mobility, digital literacy, and public access to computers lag well behind the Countys eastern areas. In particular, it recommends that the County take steps to maximize the value of existing publicly owned computer resources in western Chatham at Central Carolina Community Colleges (CCCC) Siler City campus. In addition, we recommend various short-term measures to improve the ability of the Goldston and Wren (Siler City) libraries to respond to the computer and Internet needs of western Chatham residents. Key long-term recommendations include looking at expanding or replacing the Siler City library so that residents of western Chatham County have local access to computer and other library services more like those available at the new library in Pittsboro. These measures do not address the problems associated with long distances to the population centers where publicly available computer facilities are located. These needs call for a long-term strategy that focuses on a distributed approach to deploying public computer and Internet resources more widely throughout the County at public schools and similar sites. Finally, without access to affordable, high-quality Internet service, the power of computer access to open up new educational and economic development opportunities for County residents will not be fully realized. The County should revisit the recommendations made in Action Audits August 2011 Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Chatham County and start developing a longterm plan to build its own fiber backbone by reallocating revenues that it currently spends on various providers and services in an uncoordinated way. This backbone could then be used both to reduce the Countys internal telecommunications costs and provide a platform for private companies to extend broadband connections deeper into the County and offer more service options at competitive prices.

PROJECT PURPOSE & BACKGROUND [ I]

Broadband lowers geographic barriers, reduces socioeconomic disparities, and connects people to jobs in a world where most jobs are only advertised on-line. It can also play a central role in reducing inequities for low-income persons, disabled persons, racial and ethnic minorities, and residents of rural areas, who are all less likely to have access to broadband at home than the average American. i

Congress recognized the synergies between Internet and computer access and economic opportunity when it passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009. That law began to scrape at the surface of the nations digital exclusion problem by providing $201 million in federal grants for 66 public computer center projects and $250.7 million for 44 sustainable broadband adoption projects. Due to short application time frames and a lack of planning work, Chatham County was unable to apply for these federal funds. This Computer Center Project is designed to develop a longterm plan for publicly accessible computers so that the County will be fully prepared to apply for such funds in the future and can develop its own computer centers in the meantime without federal assistance.

PROPOSAL TERMS [ II]

To establish these plans, Action Audits assembled data that establishes the need for a computer center in Chatham County. This effort included: identifying likely users and the location of existing computer centers; determining whether Central Carolina Community Colleges (CCCC) Siler City campus (CCCC-SC) would be an appropriate location for such a computer center; and explaining how the Computer Center would meet unmet community needs.

ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING COMPUTER FACILITIES [ III]

The original premise of this project was that no public computer center existed in Chatham County. Action Audits discovered early in the assessment process that baseline publicly owned computer center facilities already existed in the Countys public libraries and at the two community college campuses in the County and that two of the best facilities opened soon after we began our work at CCCCs Siler City campus and the library systems new Pittsboro library. We visited all existing facilities and examined each of them for possible improvements. We discovered significant regional disparities in library facilities, with the Countys Pittsboro facility newer and housing more up-to-date equipment and facilities than the Siler City and Goldston libraries. We also discovered that the Countys public schools and Chatham County Community College house valuable community resources which could be tapped to improve public computer access and digital literacy. Goldston Public Library - Goldston [ III.A]: The Goldston public library is small but readily accessible to Goldston residents. Its six computers are not always sufficient to meet local demand. Computer use is generally limited to one hour at a time. Auxiliary equipment such as scanners and color printers is not available for public use. The library does not offer computer training courses. The library has adequate broadband service for now and also offers Wi-Fi service during hours when the library is open. Library hours are sharply limited (33 hours per week) with very few weekend (4 hours on Saturday) or evening (one day per week) hours, and the library is staffed by one person. ii

Wren Memorial Library - Siler City [ III.B]: Siler Citys Wren Memorial Library is centrally located and readily accessible to community residents. The building is small for the 13,000 or so western Chatham County and Siler City residents living within range of the library. Similarly, computers were limited in number (8) compared to the population of the Siler City area. Computer use is generally limited to one hour per patron. No scanners or color printers are available for public use. The Wren Library staff is limited (two full-time and one part-time employee). The library offers no computer training courses. Broadband service appears to be sufficient for now. Wi-Fi service is available during the hours the library is open. Area students have started going to local food establishments for Wi-Fi service instead of the library. Wren Librarys hours have recently improved and now total 48 per week but evening hours are limited to one day per week and the library is closed on Sunday, limiting the ability of residents with standard work schedules to use the librarys computers. Chatham County Bookmobile [ III.C]: The bookmobile service was terminated as part of the Countys 2011 budget cuts. It did not provide computer or Internet access for patrons. Due to poor wireless broadband service in the more rural areas of the County, a resurrected and reconfigured bookmobile is unlikely to be of much use in providing Internet access to unserved community residents. Chatham Community Library - Pittsboro [ III.D]: The Countys new Pittsboro library is located on the Central Carolina Community Colleges Pittsboro campus, near to downtown Pittsboro, but is not easily reachable by residents of western Chatham County or any of the other far reaches of the County. The building is large, with open, pleasant spaces and an energy efficient design. Operating costs are shared between the County and the college, but the library does not participate in the federal e-rate program, under which it would qualify for a discount of about 60% on both Internet and telephone service. Hours of operation total 61 per week and are much better than those for the Goldston and Siler City libraries, with good evening hours (4 days per week) but it also does not have Sunday hours, meaning that residents with standard nine-to-five Monday-to-Friday work schedules have only limited opportunities to use the library. The librarys computer facilities, with 40 or so publicly accessible computers, are vastly superior to those of the Goldston and Siler City libraries. Public use of these computers is generally limited to three hours at a time per patron. Public Internet access is provided via both the publicly available computers and a Wi-Fi system. Broadband service to the Pittsboro library is provided by CenturyLink at speeds of 5 MB/s downstream and 640 kb/s. No scanners or color printers are available for public use. The library offers some computer training courses.

iii

Central Carolina Community College - Siler City Campus (CCCC-SC) [ III.E]: This new two-story, 23,800-square foot facility in Siler City is two miles from downtown Siler City and reachable via a Chatham Transit bus. The buildings hours are: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Friday) (except in the summer when it is closed on Friday). CCCC-SC provides valuable vocational and work training courses to a diverse range of community residents. It is well equipped, with two computer labs, 50 computers equipped with current and Spanish Language software, 14 laptops, networked black and white printers, a fully-equipped video conferencing room, and 14 smart boards (scheduled to arrive in January of 2012). The colleges computers are not publicly available, but access is available once a student is enrolled in any community college course, including various free and low-cost offerings. All classrooms are wired for IP television, but not for conventional cable television. The CCCC-SC campus is equipped with 45 MB/s broadband connections and Wi-Fi service. Central Carolina Community College - Pittsboro Campus (CCCC-PC) [ III.F]: Computers are available for student use on CCCCs Pittsboro campus, located close to downtown Pittsboro. Computer labs house 90 or so computers in four rooms in two buildings. All buildings and immediate exteriors have access to Wi-Fi service during the hours the buildings are open. CCCCs Pittsboro campus houses a job training center that offers eight computers and job counselors to job seekers. CCCC students can also check out notebook computers for use while in the adjacent Chatham Community Library. Chatham County Public Schools [ III.G]: Chatham Countys public schools are generally located in attractive and pleasant surroundings and are evenly distributed throughout the County so that virtually all areas of the County are relatively close to a well-appointed school. As noted in Action Audits Broadband Infrastructure Plan report, the Chatham County Schools (CCS) have embraced broadband technology and computers throughout the school system. All schools have low computer-to-student ratios. CCS has also placed a laptop computer in the hands of all high school (and one middle school) students for at-home use. Nevertheless, many Chatham students are losing out on much of what computer access has to offer because of the absence of broadband at home, due to availability or affordability factors. The Countys residential broadband deficit is substantial and most pronounced in the western and southern portions of the County, a deficit that is likely to widen in the future, unless the County steps in to encourage (or initiate) more deployment. See Action Audits, Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Chatham County, N.C., Aug. 18, 2011. The public school system itself has adequate broadband service. Broadband service at burstable speeds of 100 MB/s service is provided to each of the four high schools and to three schools in the northeastern area of the County. The service provided to the other 10 schools is 50 MB/s burstable service. All CCS schools are served by fiber lines, which means that it will be relatively easy to increase broadband speed and capacity in the future as needed. All schools have Wi-Fi service. By participating in the federal e-rate program, the Chatham County Schools have iv

been able to reduce the annual cost of these broadband connections and services for the current year from about $550,415 to $369,715. In September of 2010, the FCC modified the federal erate program to allow community use of e-rate funded broadband services and facilities after regular school hours. CCS staff has expressed reluctance about taking advantage of this opportunity to provide broader access to CCS computer facilities during after-school hours for various reasons.

RECOMMENDATIONS [ IV]
Primary Computer Center [ IV.A]: Developing an initial computer center for training unemployed and under-employed Chatham County residents in the area where the need is the greatest would be an important first step in improving job-related resources in the community. Western Focus [ IV.A.1]: The western area of the County, where income, mobility, digital literacy, and public access to computers lag well behind the Countys eastern area, is the area of greatest need and should be the area of initial focus. Basic literacy levels in the southwestern region of the County are reported to be more than twice the Countys overall literacy rate. Income, education, and vehicle ownership are all noticeably lower in western parts of the County, which has also experienced a very large increase in Latino population over the past 20 years. The limits on economic opportunity in parts of western Chatham County associated with these demographics are compounded by limited access to publicly available computers. Although this region houses a higher percentage of low-income residents, public library computers number only 6 in the Goldston library and 8 in Siler Citys Wren library, compared with 40 in the main library in Pittsboro. Publicly accessible computers in the Goldston and Siler City libraries are limited to one hour of use per person (versus three hours in the Pittsboro library), with library hours and after-work hours much more limited than those of the Pittsboro library. Computer training courses are not provided at the Goldston or Siler City libraries. Accessing the Internet at home for job searching or retraining is also less of an option in western Chatham County due to affordability concerns for lower income residents and availability and quality problems associated with business decisions by the private sector not to serve or properly maintain plant in lower density, low-income regions. This deficiency pushes residents looking for work toward local libraries and food establishments for broadband access. Maximize Value of Computer Resources at Central Carolina Community CollegeSiler City campus [ IV.A.2 ]: Existing facilities at Central Carolina Community Colleges Siler City campus are well suited to respond to a number of western Chathams computer needs if policies are established to maximize public access to valuable public resources. v

Measures to enhance the value and usefulness of these outstanding resources include: Forging a partnership between the Siler City and Goldston libraries and CCCC-Siler City to better inform community residents about computer availability and training at CCCC-SC; Establishing flexible and open policies at the CCCC-Siler City campus to sanction use of the computer labs by members of the general public; Establishing more rigorous computer lab room scheduling and firm times when computers can be utilized by students and the public; Identifying funding or rearranging existing staff resources to staff the Siler City Campus computer labs during weekend hours for public use of the colleges computer facilities; Adding computer repair and IT courses to CCCC-Siler Citys curriculum; and Establishing a capital budget plan for augmenting existing equipment for the two computer labs.

Additional Measures to Address Computing and Internet Access Deficits in the County [ IV.B]: Improving access to the computer facilities at CCCC-Siler City would represent a significant first step toward closing the digital divide in western Chatham County but does not address the widespread problems in the County associated with generally poor broadband service and long distances to the population centers where computer facilities are available to the public. A longterm strategy focusing on a distributed approach to deploying public computer and Internet resources more widely in the County is in order. Libraries [ IV.B.1]: The County should improve access to its libraries and expand resources within those libraries, beginning with western Chatham County libraries through various measures. Goldston and Siler City Libraries [ IV.B.1.a]: Short-term measures include: Provide more evening and weekend library hours for residents who work standard work schedules (e.g., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) by opening later in the day on those nights when the libraries stay open later; Provide longer computer access time if and when more computers are acquired for these two libraries; Rearrange computers in these two libraries to provide more privacy for computer users; vi

Provide Wi-Fi access after regular library hours for public use but shut the Wi-Fi network down at a reasonable hour (perhaps 9 p.m.) to prevent late-night activity in the vicinity of the libraries; Acquire scanners and color printers for the two libraries and allow no-cost printing for resumes, job applications, and job postings by job seekers; Increase library staff to allow more opportunity to assist patrons in need of computer assistance; Provide the same computer training courses offered in Pittsboro at the Wren and Goldston libraries and increase that training by establishing a computer training program in which high school students would serve as teachers for community service credits.

Long-term measures: Add expansion, replacement, or reconfiguration of the Wren Library to the Countys long-term capital plan so that residents of western Chatham County can have access to computer and other library services more like those available at the new library in Pittsboro.

Pittsboro Library [ IV.B.1.b]: Remove the three-hour limit on computer use until such time as computers in the computer room are more fully utilized; Provide Sunday hours for improved accessibility for residents who work week days (offset this extra time by modifying morning hours during the week or rearranging work schedules of library personnel); Make Wi-Fi service available after library hours and monitor usage to determine whether (and when) the Wi-Fi network should be shut down to prevent late-night activity in the vicinity of the library (there are no homes near this librarys parking lot); and Establish a computer training program in which high school students would serve as teachers for community service credits.

All Chatham Libraries [ IV.B.1.c]: The library system should make it easier for community residents to access public computers for job searches, training, and research by not requiring photo identification to use library computers (e.g., establish a simple sign-in policy). Funding for Schools and Libraries: e-rate [ IV.B.1.d]: The library system should assess its Internet and telecommunications needs and apply for e-rate subsidies for discounts in Chatham County of 60% or more for its broadband and telephone vii

costs. These savings could be reprogrammed to purchase additional computers or allow lower or no cost black and white printing in the libraries. Funding for Schools, Libraries, and Nonprofits: in-kind services [ IV.B.1.e]: The County should stay abreast and ensure its schools, libraries, and residents participate in federal efforts aimed at providing donated, in-kind services through volunteer-based programs, including the FCCs Digital Literacy Corps and the Connect to Compete, a joint public/private FCC initiative. Senior Centers [ IV.B.2]: The County should consider adding computers to its senior centers and offering computer training to senior citizens in exchange for community service credits for area students. Public Schools [ IV.B.3]: Chatham Countys public schools are distributed evenly throughout the County, utilize the federal e-rate program, and are well equipped with computers and associated equipment and facilities. Many County public schools remain open after regular school hours and could provide public access to their computer labs by taking advantage of a change in the federal e-rate program that now allows e-rate-supported school systems to provide access to members of the public to e-rate funded facilities after regular school hours. In-home Computers and Broadband Service: Private Sector [ IV.B.4]: The County should ask CenturyLink what steps it is taking to ensure that County residents who qualify for lifeline telephone service are provided with the low-cost computers, low-cost Internet service, and training that CenturyLink is required to provide as a condition of the FCCs recent approval of the CenturyLink-Qwest merger, and ask that the County be included as a site for the Companys computer training. Expand Broadband Availability [ IV.B.5]: Without access to affordable, high-quality Internet service, the power of computers to open up new educational and economic development opportunities for County residents will not be fully realized. The County should carefully consider the recommendations made in Action Audits August 2011 Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Chatham County and engage in long-term planning to build its own fiber backbone by reallocating revenues that it currently spends on various providers and services in an uncoordinated way. Such a backbone could then be used both to reduce the Countys internal telecommunications costs and to establish a platform for private companies to extend broadband connections deeper into the County and provide more service options at competitive prices.

viii

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

I. PROJECT PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of the Computer Center Project is to develop a long-term plan for economic growth, jobs, and workforce development through improved computer access at publicly accessible sites in Chatham County. The impetus for this project was to position the County to secure federal funding for a computer center in the future (should such funding become available again) and to help the County develop these facilities on its own without federal assistance in the meantime. This project was in part shaped by the Countys inability in 2010 to apply for federal funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)1 for computer centers because it did not have the time to do the necessary preliminary planning work. Broadband opens up many new social and economic opportunities and is essential for participating in modern life. It lowers geographic barriers, reduces socioeconomic disparities, connects people to jobs in a world where most jobs are only advertised on-line,2 and provides new avenues for educational advancement and connecting people into communities. It is a particularly important platform for members of disadvantaged communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and recent immigrants. Yet, as more aspects of daily life move online and offline alternatives continue to shrink, people without access to broadband have fewer choices and tend to be increasingly disadvantaged and marginalized. Digital exclusion compounds inequities for historically marginalized groups. Those with low incomes or disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and people living in rural areas are less likely to have access to broadband at home.3 The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has identified the high cost of computers and broadband service as major barriers to access to this increasingly essential service.4 Congress recognized the synergies between Internet and computer access and economic opportunity when it passed ARRA in February 2009 and directed the FCC to develop a National Broadband Plan.5 It appropriated $7.2 billion to create the Broadband TeleAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-5, 6000-01, 123 Stat. 513-16 (2009) (ARRA).
1

The FCC reported in October of 2011 that 80% of Fortune 500 companies only post jobs on-line. See www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/connecting-america.
2

For example, 2010 data shows a 13% gap between rural and urban areas in broadband adoption (70% versus 57%). Economics and Statistics Administration and National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Exploring the Digital Nation: Computer and Internet Use at Home, November 2011, t.2. This same table shows these gaps widening even further for residents of rural areas who are African American (41% broadband adoption rate), Latino (46%), low income (household incomes of less than $25,000) (35%), and less educated (no high school diploma) (25%).
3

See Re: Inquiry Concerning the Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion, and Possible Steps to Accelerate Such Deployment Pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as Amended by the Broadband Data Improvement Act, G.N. Docket No. 10-159, Seventh Broadband Progress Report and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 11-78, May 20, 2011 (2011 Broadband Progress Report), 65.
5

To help America realize world-leading high performance, Congress directed that the National Broadband Plan include a plan for use of broadband infrastructure and services in advancing consumer welfare, civic participation, public safety and homeland security, community development, health care delivery, energy independence and efficiency, education, worker training, private sector investment, entrepreneurial activity, job creation and economic growth and other national pur poses. ARRA at 6001(k)(2)(D).

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. communications Opportunities Program (BTOP) at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. To specifically address the nations digital exclusion problem, the federal government awarded $201 million in grants for 66 public computer center projects to provide access to broadband, computer equipment, computer training, job training, and educational resources to the public and specific vulnerable populations and $250.7 million for 44 sustainable broadband adoption (SBA) projects to promote broadband adoption, especially among vulnerable populations, over a very tight time frame in 2009 and 2010.6 Grants awarded to North Carolina recipients for public computer centers included: $1.01 million to Fayetteville State University, $239,194 to the Mitchell County Historic Courthouse Foundation, $448,742 to the Olive Hill Community Economic Development Corporation, and $926,537 to WinstonNet, Inc. The only North Carolina recipient of SBA funds was North Carolina Central University, which was awarded a $1.9 million grant. Due to short application time frames, and a lack of planning work, Chatham County was unable to apply for these funds despite the growing digital exclusion issues facing many County residents. This Computer Center Project is designed to develop a long-term plan for publicly accessible computers so that the County will be fully prepared to apply for such funds in the future and can begin to develop its own computer centers in the meantime without federal assistance.

II. PROPOSAL TERMS

To establish these computer center plans, Action Audits assembled data that establishes the need for a computer center in Chatham County in which to train unemployed and under-employed residents and provide general access to computers for County residents. This data collection effort included: identifying likely users and the location of existing computer centers; determining whether Central Carolina Community Colleges (CCCC) Siler City campus (CCCC-SC) would be an appropriate location for such a computer center; and explaining how a computer center would meet unmet community needs.

III. ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING COMPUTER FACILITIES

Although the original premise of this project was that no public computer center existed in Chatham County, Action Audits discovered early in the assessment process that baseline publicly owned computer center facilities already existed in the Countys public libraries and at the two community college campuses in the County and that two of the Countys premiere computer center facilities opened soon after we began our work. This required modification of our work to focus on examining these existing facilities for possible improvements to enhance opportunities for public access at those facilities. We visited the Chatham public libraries on November 12, 18, and 19, 2010, and October 19, 2011; Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), Siler City Campus, on November 11, 2010, and October 19, 2011; Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro Campus, on February 3, 2011, and October 19, 2011; and the County public schools on November 12 and 18, 2010.
See National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program: Quarterly Status Report, June 23, 2011, at 1. www.ntia.doc.gov/report/2011/ninth-quarterly-status-report-congress-regarding-btop.
6

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. Overall, we discovered significant regional disparities in library facilities, with the Countys Pittsboro facility newer and housing more up-to-date equipment and facilities than the Siler City and Goldston libraries. CCCCs Siler City campus, located two miles from downtown Siler City, is well equipped, but serves only enrolled students and not members of the general public. The Chatham County public school system is doing an excellent job of providing computer access for its students during regular school hours, but many of those students are stymied once they go home due to inadequate broadband service in their homes in many parts of the County. Also of note is that the school system staff did not express interest in opening up its computer or Internet access facilities to members of the public during after-school hours although the FCC has adopted policies designed to encourage school systems to do so.

A.

GOLDSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (355 GOLDSTON-GLENDON ROAD, GOLDSTON)

The Goldston public library is located near to the center of town and is readily accessible to Goldston residents. The library building is small in size, but relatively new and pleasant. The area of the library for computer use is somewhat cramped, and the librarys hours are limited to 33 hours per week, with almost no hours in the evenings or on weekends when residents with standard work schedules have the time to use the library. The library is closed on Tuesday and Sunday and only open after 6 p.m. one day of the week (Thursday until 8 p.m.). Hours were recently improved with the addition of Saturday hours (9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Computer facilities in this library are limited in number (six), lack privacy, and are not always sufficient to meet local demand (the library staff noted that sometimes there is a waiting list for computer access in the mid-afternoon hours). Patron access to the computers was limited to one hour per day, imposing serious limits on meaningful computer access. The library staff has the ability to override this time limit on computer use and add an extra half hour for patrons using the computer for training or educational purposes, as long as the library staff knows of the need for additional time before the patron starts to use the computer.7 The library system uses countywide software to limit computer use. No scanner or color printer was available for public use (in some cases, these devices are needed to print or send resumes or compile job applications).
7

Goldston Library, Interview and Site Visit, November 12, 2010; follow-up phone call on October 5, 2011.

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. The Goldston library, with its staff of one, is not in the position to provide computer training. Patrons expressed praise for the speed of the broadband service provided at the library. Comments during Action Audits site visit included the statement that CenturyLink provided better speed in the Goldston library than Charter provided at the Siler City library. The library staff reported DSL speeds of 5 MB/s downstream and 640 kb/s upstream, with a sample bill from September 2010 showing a cost of $77.41 for that service. The library provides Wi-Fi service for patrons who bring their own portable or mobile devices to the library, but the service is turned off after hours. The town of Goldston asked that the service be turned off at night after two neighbors complained about young people using the Wi-Fi in the library parking lot after dark and making noise. 8

B.

WREN MEMORIAL LIBRARY (500 NORTH SECOND AVENUE, SILER CITY)

Siler Citys Wren Memorial Library is located near the center of Siler City and is readily accessible to community residents. The building is owned by the town of Siler City and leased to the County. During Action Audits mid-afternoon visit in February of 2011, the parking lot was full. The library building is small for the 13,000 or so western Chatham residents who live in Siler City and its immediate environs. This was evidenced by how crowded the library was and by the sight of a patron sitting on the lobby floor to use the librarys Wi-Fi service. (All the seats in the library were occupied during a mid-afternoon visit on a weekday.) The library staff reported that patrons often have to wait before they can use the public computers.9 The Wren Library is open for a total of 48 hours per week. However, it offers very few evening hours and no Sunday hours, limiting opportunities for community residents with standard work schedules, who cannot visit the library during regular work day hours. (The library is open after 6 p.m. only one day of the week (until 8 p.m. on Monday).) The Wren Librarys weekend hours were reduced in 2011, with the building open only four hours on Saturday, but in November 2011, these Saturday hours were increased to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8 9

Goldston Library, Interview and Site Visit, November 12, 2010. Wren Memorial Library, Interview and Site Visit, October 19, 2011.

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

Wren Memorial Library, Siler City, public computers The number of computers in the Wren Libraryeightis limited in number compared to the population of the Siler City area. As of 2010, 7,887 persons lived in Siler City and another 4,000 or so persons lived in its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for a total population of about 12,610. (By comparison, the Goldston library houses six computers for public use and the Pittsboro library has about 40 computers for public use.) The librarys eight computers are also older and equipped with older software but did receive new flat screen monitors some time in 2011. Computers and associated equipment and support materials are not adequate for the population served by the Wren Library. Computer use is limited to one hour per patron.10 If a patron is using the computer for job-related or educational purposes, an additional hour can be programmed into the library software. No scanners or color printers are available for public use, which, in some cases, may be needed to print resumes and assemble job applications. The librarys limited printing capabilities are primarily due to the cost of cartridges and paper.11 Only one black and white printer was available for public use. The library charges 10 cents per page for copies, which may limit the ability of low-income patrons to print research documents or resumes.12 Computers were not private, but rather were in the center of the library, with their screens visible to other patrons and the library staff. Wren Library staffing also is limited, with only two full-time employees and one part-time employee. The library staff noted that it is sometimes difficult for them to handle patrons computer requests (and respond to needs for basic computer and Internet training) while managing standard front-desk responsibilities at the same time. No basic or other computer training courses are

Wren Library staff described how a library patron had briefly gained more extensive access to computer time by figuring out the 16-digit password code used for computer access. Wren Memorial Library, Interview and Site Visit, October 19, 2011.
10 11 12

Wren Memorial Library, Interview and Site Visit, October 19, 2011.

The Wren Library staff noted that the library is on a strict paper budget. Wren Memorial Library, Interview and Site Visit, October 19, 2011.

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. currently provided at the Wren Library although some of its patrons have a need for this training.13 Access to the Internet at the Wren Library is provided through public computer terminals and through the librarys Wi-Fi system. Charter provides broadband service to the library, with speed limited to 5 MB/s downstream and 512 kb/s upstream. CenturyLink provides a back-up line. Sample broadband bills from September 2010 show a charge of $109.96 for Charters Siler City connection and $61.23 for CenturyLinks 3 MB/s back-up connection. Wi-Fi service is also available for patrons who bring laptops or smart devices to the library. The librarys Wi-Fi service was described by the librarians as well used during our visits, but is turned off after hours at the request of the town of Siler City for the same reasons as were reported in Goldston.14 In October 2011, the library staff reported that area students have started using local restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi service (e.g., McDonalds, Smithfield Chicken, Burger King) as a preferred alternative to the librarys service.15 This likely is due in part to the limited physical space in the library and the time limits on computer use.

The library staff provided two examples during the October 19, 2011, site visit. In one case, a 56-year-old patron was trying to use a Christian website, but after being shown how to get on the Internet and use the site by library staff, he repeatedly asked the library staff for help with using the computer and maneuvering around the sites menu functions. The second example was a young woman who could not manage the computers resume writing software and needed extensive assistance. In both cases, it was not possible for the library staff to fully resolve the patrons problems due to their obligations to help other patrons and provide basic library services.
13

This means wireless access to the Internet is not available either inside or outside the building after these hours: 8 p.m. on Monday, 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 5 p.m. Saturday. Wireless service is not available at all on Sundays as the library is closed.
14 15

Wren Memorial Library, Interview and Site visit, October 19, 2011.

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

C.

CHATHAM COUNTY BOOKMOBILE

At the time of our first visit to the Wren Library in late 2010, the Chatham County bookmobile was still in service and, when not in use, was parked in the librarys parking lot, colorful and pleasant. Having been in existence for 53 years, it was heavily used, stopping at 19 places at various locations in the County for between 20 minutes and 2 hours and serving about 600 people every month. Stops included day care facilities and retirement communities, including Carolina Meadows, Galloway Ridge, and Fearrington Village, and generally served locations from which a visit to the nearest library would involve a 20- to 40-mile round-trip. According to local newspapers, the bookmobiles patrons tended to have limited access to the Countys other libraries for financial, logistical, or personal reasons. A survey showed that the bookmobile was the only source for library books for more than half its patrons.16 At the same time, County officials reported that the bookmobile was experiencing frequent breakdowns and was not serving the remote rural areas of the County. While the bookmobile held as many as 5,000 volumes, it did not provide computer or Internet access for patrons. The bookmobile operator noted that many of the places where the bookmobile stopped had such poor cell phone service that calling the library from some of the bookmobiles stops was not possible.17 Without a means of accessing the Internet via wireless broadband service, a resurrected and reconfigured bookmobile would not appear to be a solution for providing Internet access to community residents. The bookmobile service was terminated by the County as part of budget cuts instituted in 2011. The bookmobile made its last trip on June 27, 2011.18 Patrons from the day care centers and community centers can now order books on-line, which are often delivered within one day via the Chatham Transit system, or use the library systems new e-book download service (if they have access to the Internet at home and a smart device such as an iPad, a Kindle or a Nook).

See Jason Lee, Indyweek, The End of the Chatham County Bookmobile, August 3, 2011 (http://www.indyweek.com/triangulator/archives/2011/08/03/the-end-of-the-chatham-county-bookmobile).
16 17 18

Wren Memorial Library, Interview, November 18, 2010. The last ride of the bookmobile is captured on video at http://vimeo.com/26550594.

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

D.

CHATHAM COMMUNITY LIBRARY (197 NC HWY 87 N, PITTSBORO)

The Countys new Pittsboro library, officially known as the Chatham Community Library, is located on the Central Carolina Community Colleges Pittsboro campus, near to downtown Pittsboro, but is not easily reachable by residents of western Chatham County or any of the other far reaches of the County. The building is located next to CCCCs Sustainable Technology building, has an energy efficient design and technology, and is characterized by open, pleasant spaces and an abundance of natural light. Operating costs are shared between the County and CCCC, and the librarys light and energy systems are operated remotely by a company based in California.19

Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro Hours of operation for the Pittsboro library total 61 hours per week and are more generous than the weekly hours for the Goldston (33 hours) and Siler City (48 hours) libraries. The library opens one hour earlier during the week (9 a.m.), is open after 6 p.m. four nights a week (Monday through Thursday until 8 p.m.),20 and has Saturday hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The library is not
19 20

Chatham County Public Libraries, Interview, November 19, 2010. The hours for Chathams Pittsboro library were extended as of October 12, 2011.

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. open on Sundays. These hours are not ideal for residents with standard nine-to-five Monday-toFriday work schedules due to the absence of Sunday hours, but are no where near as limited as those of the other two County libraries. The Pittsboro librarys computer facilities are vastly superior to those of the Goldston and Siler City libraries and the most available and accessible of all the library facilities in the County. About 30 new computers,21 with up-to-date software and flat-screen monitors, are housed in a large, glassed-in room, filled with natural light, with other new computers scattered throughout the library, for a total of 40 publicly accessible computers. Despite the large number of available computers, public use of these computers is limited to three hours per patron, with the caveat that the library staff can over ride this time limit if the patron needs to use the computer for job-related or educational purposes, as long as the patron tells the library staff of the need for additional time before starting to use the computer. The vast majority of computers (80% or more) were not in use during each of Action Audits four visits to this facility. Computers at the Pittsboro library are more available for CCCC students than for members of the general public due to the partnership between the library and CCCC. CCCC students who use the public terminals can ask for longer use times and can check out library laptops and notebooks while in the library for use on the librarys wireless facilities. Even in this well-equipped library, computer-related equipment is limited. A black and white printer was available for use at 10 cents per copy, but no scanner was viewable, thus somewhat limiting print options for job seekers and researchers.

Chatham Community Library (Pittsboro), computer room The Pittsboro librarys computer facilities are available to the community college to provide training to students and to the County to train County staff, but the computer room is not available for use by other entities or organizations for computer training for members of the general
The librarys website states that it provides [f]orty public computers, including six dedicated childrens computers. www.chathamnc.org/index.aspx?page=304.
21

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. public after library hours. One reason given for this limit is that opening up the computer room to other organizations or groups would require the County to keep the entire library open after hours which would be costly in part because the buildings energy systems are operated by a California-based company. (Many of the lights cannot be controlled from inside the library).22 Public access to computers throughout the library system requires possession of either a restricted or regular library card. Restricted library cards are issued to persons who can produce a current photo identification card while regular library cards are available only to those who present both a photo identification card and valid proof of a physical address by such means as a lease agreement, vehicle registration, utility bill, or tax record.23 Restricted cards may be used to access the library systems publicly accessible computers but not to check out library materials. Public Internet access is provided via both the publicly available computers and a Wi-Fi system. Broadband service to the Pittsboro library is provided by CenturyLink at speeds of 5 MB/s downstream and 640 kb/s. A sample CenturyLink bill for service provided to the County (September 2010) shows the monthly fee for this service to be $72.59. Wi-Fi service is also available anywhere in the building (and reaches into the parking lot) during regular library hours. The library does not participate in the federal e-rate program, under which it would qualify for a discount of about 60% on both Internet and telephone service. Library system staff characterized the e-rate program as subjecting the library to possible legal vulnerabilities, being too complicated, and requiring the use of expensive consultants.24 In the fall of 2011, computer training courses were added to the Pittsboro librarys offerings, with courses set for one or two days a month and for one and a half to two hours each. Courses include courses on learning how to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software. These courses are only taught at the systems main library in Pittsboro. The library also provides introductory classes on how to use its new e-book service.25 Public computer terminals cannot be used to download the books provided via this service, limiting the usefulness of this service for library patrons who do not own smart devices.

22 23 24 25

Chatham County Public Libraries, Interview, November 19, 2010. http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=1567. Chatham County Public Libraries, Interview, November 19, 2010.

Of note is that the librarys e-book service (downloading books via the Internet) is only available for use on patrons mobile smart devices (e.g., iPads, Kindles, Nooks), laptops, or home computers. The librarys e-book system does not allow patrons to use its public computer terminals to download e-books for reading in the library. This arrangement limits access to this service for residents who own smart devices or portable or in-home computers.

10

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

E.

CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (CCCC): SILER CITY CAMPUS (400 PROGRESS BVD, SILER CITY)

Central Carolina Community College opened its new Siler City campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November 2010. This brand new two-story, 23,800-square foot facility in Siler City is located on a 41-acre wooded site in Siler Citys Business Campus. It is about two miles from downtown Siler City and reachable via a Chatham Transit bus but is not easily walkable from downtown Siler City. It has a large parking lot, bike racks, numerous parking spaces for the handicapped, and priority parking for energy efficient cars. The building is open four evenings a week (Monday through Thursday) but it is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, on Friday evenings, and all day Friday during the summer. The buildings hours are: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Friday) (except in the summer when it is closed on Friday). CCCC-SC provides valuable vocational and work training courses to a diverse range of community residents, creating a milieu where old can meet young, immigrant can meet non-immigrant, and unemployed can meet employed. It serves 700 regular students and about 550 part-time students each year and serves high school students as well as disabled persons. Courses include worker and vocational retraining and free workforce development courses for eligible community residents (resume writing, computer use, job searching skills). Continuing education classes run the gamut and include welding, pottery, ceramics, nursing, and plumbing. CCCC-SC also provides basic literacy, English as a second language, and GED courses. In addition, it has a workforce investment group recruitment service, where CCCC-SC staff travel door to door in the Latino community, promoting the colleges courses to community residents who are in the 14-to-21 age bracket.26 CCCC-SC is well equipped with computers and associated equipment, including up-to-date and Spanish language software. Two large computer labs (rooms 125 and 231) house about 25 computers each. Each regular classroom houses one or two computers, and the college also offers 14
CCCC-SC staff reported that the community college has a good relationship with area high school counselors, who refer high school drop outs to them. CCCC-SC is permitted to serve any person over the age of 16. Also, any person who has not graduated from high school may enroll as a student.
26

11

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. laptops for classroom and off-campus instructional use. Black and white printers are networked to the computer lab computers. The college has no color printers or scanners. It recently added one fully equipped video conferencing room and will deploy 14 smart boards for classroom use in January 2012. These smart boards will open up the classroom to an expansive Internet-based learning experience and could also double as videoconferencing equipment to bring outside speakers to the classroom via Skype or even to set up additional videoconferencing opportunities for CCCC or for third parties.

CCCC-SC campus, room 231 computer lab The colleges computer labs are for student use only and are not available for use by members of the general public. Prior to opening in the fall of 2010, college officials had expressed hope that CCCC-SC could open its computer facilities to the general public for afternoon use, but the closing of the Townsend chicken factory in Siler City has caused enrollment to increase, eliminating that option. Once a student is enrolled in any of the community college coursesfree or otherwisehe or she will be able to use the computer labs whenever they are available as long as he or she continues to be enrolled as a student. A County resident with computer needs could sign up for any one of these training or literacy courses, thereby becoming a CCCC-SC student, and use computers when they are available but only during the period in which he or she is enrolled as a student. Determining when the computers at the CCCC-SC campus are available for non-classroom use was a challenge, suggesting that carefully laid out, publicly posted scheduling would increase the ability of members of the CCCC-SC community to take advantage of the colleges computer resources. According to CCCC-SCs spring catalogue for 2012, room 125, one of the computer labs at CCCC-SC, is scheduled to be used from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for a free course entitled English as a Second Language, described as unmonitored use of the computer to access language software programs like Rosetta Stone. Room 125 is scheduled for two different math classes in the 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. time slot (Introductory Algebra on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Essential Math on Mondays and Wednesdays). Room 125 is not scheduled for any other regular use until 5:00 p.m. when a two-hour introductory course entitled Computers for Workplace 12

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. I Introduction is scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.27 Otherwise, no classes or other specified uses are formally scheduled in room 125 for most of each day. Nonetheless, CCCC-SC staff reported that the computer room is used for various purposes, including for technical training as part of the basic literacy courses or for high school or GED training.28 The second computer lab, room 231, is booked on Mondays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:05 p.m., February through April 30, 2012, for back-to-back continuing education courses entitled Introduction to Computers ($65) and Introduction to Microsoft Excel ($65). It is also booked on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for Computer Skills for the Workplace (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) from January 17 to March 15, 2012. CCCC-SC staff report that this computer lab is used as needed for basic literacy classes, disability training, and high school or GED training during the daytime, but none of these items are specifically scheduled or listed in the course catalogue.29

CCCC-SC campus, room 125 computer lab All the classrooms at CCCC-SC are wired for IP television, but not for conventional cable television. This means that students cannot watch programming on campus that is carried on Central Carolina Community Colleges channel, 4CNC, which began transmitting in the fall of 2011 and is shown on Time Warner Cable and Charter cable systems in Chatham County. The community college could work around this limitation by transmitting 4CNC over the Internet and into the

The fee for this course is $120, but it is free for individuals who are unemployed, have received notification of a pending layoff, or are working and eligible for federal earned income tax credits or earning wages at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
27 28 29

CCCC-SC, Interview and Site Visit, October 19, 2011, and November 1, 2011. CCCC-SC, Interview, November 1, 2011.

13

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. classrooms (for display on the smart boards) at the CCCC-SC campus using the channels video streaming format.30 The CCCC-SC campus is well equipped with high-speed broadband connections and Wi-Fi service. In 2010, the college entered into a five-year contract with Charters business division for a 45 MB/s fiber link that sends signals back to CCCCs main hub in Sanford where they are aggregated with traffic from the 100 MB/s pipe from the Pittsboro campus and traffic generated at the Sanford campus and then sent out to the Internet via a 100 MB/s connection to the Internet at the Sanford campus.31 The 45 MB/s connection from the Sanford campus to the Siler City campus cost $1500/month in 2010.32 Wi-Fi is also available at the CCCC-SC campus and can be used with a laptop or mobile device by students and any other person on campus.

F.

CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (CCCC): PITTSBORO CAMPUS

Computers are available for student use on CCCCs Pittsboro campus, with computer labs set up in two different buildings. Room 222 in Building 1 houses 43 computers and 2 black and white printers for student distance learning classes and research during regular building hours (until 9 p.m.).

30 31

See http://www.cccc.edu/homepageDetails/20114CNC/index.php.

Central Carolina Community College, Interview, November 11, 2010. All 58 of North Carolinas community colleges were cut over from the state ITS office to MCNC in the 2010 2011 fiscal year, resulting in savings of about 30%. Central Carolina Community College, Interview, November 11, 2010. Charter also provides a connection from the Sanford campus to the Pittsboro campus, but does so through arrangements with Time Warner Cable (Business Division) to use its fiber lines in Chatham County at a cost of $2000/month for 100 MB/s service.
32

14

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

CCCC-Pittsboro campus, room 222, Building 1 Building 2 houses computers in two separate classrooms. One (room 208/209), for use only for specific courses such as English and Math, is equipped with 25 new computers with flat screen monitors while the other (room 202), identified as the Guided Studies Lab, has computers available for any students purpose from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Both buildings are equipped with Wi-Fi, but the buildings are not open on the weekend and the Wi-Fi service is apparently turned off when the buildings close. Students can also check out notebook computers for use in the nearby Pittsboro library, located on the same campus, using their student identification cards, but library hours are limited.

CCCCPittsboro campus, Guided Studies Lab, Building 2 CCCCs Pittsboro campus also houses a job training center for public use, and residents can obtain access to counselors to assist them in job search and resume writing. Eight new computers and a printer are available during office hours. 15

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

CCCC-Pittsboro campus, Job Training Center, Building 1, 2nd floor

G.

CHATHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS

As noted in Action Audits Broadband Infrastructure Plan report, the Chatham County Schools (CCS) has embraced broadband technology and computers throughout the school system, placing a laptop computer in the hands of every high school student. Nevertheless, many Chatham students are losing out on much of what broadband has to offer in the educational context because they cannot use their laptops to access the Internet at home if their homes are not served by broadband or their parents cannot afford to subscribe to broadband service. Chatham Countys public schools are generally located in attractive and pleasant surroundings and are evenly distributed throughout the County so that virtually all areas of the County are relatively close to a well-appointed school. The school buildings are well maintained and up-todate, with the new Margaret B. Pollard Middle School in the Chapel Hill area an impressive state-of-the art, LEED-certified facility. The Chatham County school system places high priority on providing computer access to its students and incorporating computer and Internet use into the curriculum. All schools have low computer-to-student ratios. All high schools are equipped with more than one computer per student, including Sage Academy, the alternative high school in Siler City. The elementary schools generally have about one computer for every two students (e.g., J.S. Waters Elementary School (Goldston), Silk Hope Elementary School (Siler City), North Chatham Elementary School (Chapel Hill), Perry Harrison Elementary School (Pittsboro), and Pittsboro Elementary School (Pittsboro)). All high school students are assigned laptop computers for the school year and allowed to take them home. The four high schools participating in the laptop program are: Northwood High School (Fearrington area), Chatham Central High School (Bear Creek), Jordan-Matthews High School (Siler City), and Sage Alternative Academy (Siler City). Students at the new Margaret B. Pollard Middle School (Chapel Hill) are also given their own computers. 16

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

Based on our close examination of facilities at the J.S. Waters Elementary School, the elementary schools appear to have attractive and well equipped computer rooms. However, due to budget constraints, computer teachers have been cut back (e.g., computer teaching in southwest Chatham County had been cut back from teaching throughout the school year at each school (1 person shared by 2 schools) to one semester (1 person shared by 4 schools).

J.S. Waters Elementary School (Goldston), Computer Lab The public school system has adequate broadband service, thanks in part to the federal governments e-rate program. Broadband service at burstable speeds of 100 MB/s service is provided to each of the four high schools and to the Margaret E. Pollard Middle School, Perry Harrison Elementary School, and North Chatham Elementary School. The other 10 schools receive 50 MB/s (burstable) service, all provided via fiber optic connections to each school by various telephone companies, including CenturyLink, AT&T, and Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation.33 The hub for the school systems fiber network is located at the Chatham County Schools administration building in Pittsboro and is connected by a wide area network (WAN) to the systems 17 schools via fiber lines and then to the Internet via a 100 MB/s CenturyLink connection from the Pittsboro hub to the Internet. The existence of direct fiber connections to each school means that it will be relatively easy to increase broadband speeds and capacity at any or all of the schools as needed in the future. By participating in the e-rate program, the Chatham County Schools have been able to reduce the annual cost of these broadband connections and services for the current year from about $550,415 to $369,715. All schools are also equipped with Wi-Fi networks. 34 In September of
All speeds are burstable, so speeds are not consistently at the specified levels. AT&T serves all Chapel Hill schools: the Perry Harrison Elementary School, Margaret E. Pollard Middle School, and North Chatham Elementary School; Centurylink provides service to all the remaining schools in the County except for Virginia Cross Elementary School in Siler City and the bus garage in Pittsboro, which it jointly serves with Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation.
33 34

See Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Chatham County by Action Audits, LLC, August 24, 2011 at Appendix F.

17

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. 2010, the FCC modified the federal e-rate program to allow community use of e-rate funded broadband services and facilities after regular school hours.35 CCS staff expressed reluctance to take advantage of this opportunity by providing broader access to CCS computer facilities during after-school hours, citing various concerns, including additional operating costs and liabilities.36 In fact, many of the CCS schools already run various programs, including athletics, during after-school hours and, as mentioned above, the school buildings are evenly distributed throughout the County, with most homes being within a reasonable distance of one or more of the Countys 17 schools. Despite these attractive computer and broadband offerings in the Countys public schools, significant segments of the Countys student population live in homes that do not have access to any broadband service or have access to broadband service that is slower than the minimum the FCC has determined is necessary to participate in modern life (4 MB/s downstream and 1 MB/s upstream). (CCS staff was aware that parents are parking in school parking lots so their children could obtain Internet access via the schools Wi-Fi systems outside of regular schools hours.)37 As reported in Action Audits Broadband Infrastructure Plan, the Countys residential broadband deficit is substantial and most pronounced in the western and southern portions of the County.38 This deficit is likely to remain large and even widen in the future due to the private sectors limited interest in investing in the Countys broadband infrastructure, unless the County can step in to encourage (or initiate) more deployment.

Re: Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism; A National Broadband Plan for our Future, CC Docket No. 02-6 and GN Docket No. 09-51, Sixth Report and Order, FCC 10-175, September 23, 2010.
35 36 37

Chatham County Schools, Interview, October 28, 2010. Chatham County Schools, Interview, October 28, 2010.

38

See Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Chatham County at 3, 6-7: Using FCC and County GIS data, the areas that are the most disadvantaged are the two 2000 census tracts west and south of Siler City, with broadband subscription rates of zero to 20% (this area includes Harpers Crossroads, Bear Creek, Bonlee, and Mount Vernon Springs). Next in terms of limited access to broadband service are the 2000 census tracts for Siler City and Goldston at 20% to 40% subscription rates. The area with the highest subscription rate (and therefore the greatest access to the broadband world) is the 2000 census tract for the Chapel Hill area, with an 80% to 100% subscription rate. The other three 2000 census tracts (north of Siler City, Pittsboro, and east of Jordan Lake) fall in between the two extremes, with subscription rates of 60% to 80%. A synthesis of various broadband data maps collectively demonstrate rather starkly that large swaths of the County have been left out of the broadband era for the first 10 or so years of its existence, including entire census blocks with more than 100 homes, and are likely to continue to lag behind in the future. These problem areas go well beyond the western and southern parts of the County to include areas in the vicinity of Pittsboro, north of Siler City, and east of Lake Jordan.

18

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

IV.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Access to computers and the Internet are essential for applying for and finding employment, for educational opportunities and training, and for participating in everyday contemporary life. The purpose of Chathams Computer Center Project is to develop a long-term plan for economic growth and for jobs and workforce development and retraining through improved access to computers in the County. This project started with the premise that the County should establish a primary computer center in which to provide training for unemployed and under-employed community residents and to provide access to computers for County residents. We quickly discovered that baseline publicly owned computer facilities already exist in the Countys public libraries and at the two CCCC campuses in the County, but with large disparities in resource availability in some areas of the County. Improvement of these existing facilities would help to narrow the digital divide in the County and should position the County to apply for federal funds that might become available in the future to further improve these facilities.

A.
1.

PRIMARY COMPUTER CENTER

Western Chatham County Focus

Developing an initial computer center for training unemployed and under-employed Chatham County residents would be an important first step in improving job-related resources in the community and should be focused on the areas of greatest need in the County. There are large demographic and resource disparities between the western and eastern parts of the County. The initial focus for a computer center should be the western area of the County, where income, mobility, digital literacy, and public access to computers lag well behind the Countys eastern area (the Siler City, Bear Creek, Bonlee, and Goldston areas versus the Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and Apex areas). For example, basic literacy levels in the southwestern region of the County have been reported by CCCC officials as 32%,39 which is more than twice the Countys overall literacy rate of 15%. Income, education, and vehicle ownership are all noticeably lower in western parts of the County as is apparent in the following Census Bureau maps:

CCCC-Siler City, Interview, November 11, 2010 (2003 Chatham County Literacy Association Report by voting district).
39

19

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. Poverty:

Income:

20

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. Education:

Access to Vehicles:

21

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. Western areas of Chatham County have experienced a major increase in non-English speaking and Latino populations over the past 20 years.40

2010 Census data is gradually being released and shows the number of Latinos in Siler City to have decreased slightly since 2000, falling by 376 from 4,301 in 2000 to 3,925 in 2010 and going from 50.2% of Siler Citys population to 48.8%.
40

22

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. The limits on economic opportunity in parts of western Chatham County associated with these demographics are compounded by limited access to publicly available computers in the western portion of the County. Although there are higher percentages of low-income residents in the western area of the County (a demographic characteristic that is generally indicative of less ability to own a computer and subscribe to Internet service), public library computers total only six (6) in the Goldston Library and eight (8) in Siler Citys Wren Library, compared with 40 in the main library in Pittsboro. Long waiting times at the Wren Library reflect the small number of computers in relationship to the substantial local population. In physical terms, the Siler City library cannot accommodate the population in the Siler City area (unreported Latino residents may number as many as 4,000 in the Siler City area).41 Further, publicly accessible computers in the two libraries serving the western area are limited to one hour of use per person (versus three hours in the Pittsboro library), with library hours and after-work hours much more limited than the hours in the Pittsboro library. Computer training courses are not provided at the Goldston or Siler City libraries, while short courses (typically one or two hours long) are provided every month at the Pittsboro library. More formal computer training is provided by Central Carolina Community College at the Siler City and Pittsboro (and Sanford) campuses, but these courses are only for students, although available at no charge to individuals with financial needs. Accessing the Internet at home for job searching or retraining is also less of an option in western Chatham County. As noted in Action Audits Broadband Infrastructure Plan report, limited access to residential broadband service is more pronounced in the western part of the County (see map below) as a result of affordability barriers associated with private companies pricing practices and availability barriers associated with their business decisions not to serve or properly maintain plant in these lower density, low-income regions.42 In turn, this deficiency pushes residents looking for work toward local libraries or local food establishments for broadband access, which do not have proper printing facilities or staffing, and whose environments are very different in terms of noise level and general ambience than those of libraries or community college classrooms.43

CCCC-Siler City, Interview, November 19, 2010 (the unreported Latino population in the Siler City area may exceed reported levels by 3,000 to 4,000 people (for a total of as many as 8,000 Latinos in the Siler City area)).
41 42 43

See Broadband Infrastructure Plan at 3-7.

During our visits to the Siler City area, we noted how busy the McDonalds in Siler City always was, likely due in part to the existence of free Wi-Fi service.

23

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

2.

Maximize Value of Computer Resources at Central Carolina Community CollegeSiler City Campus

With an initial focus on western Chatham County, the County should seek to maximize the value of existing publicly owned computer resources in that area. Existing facilities at Central Carolina Community Colleges Siler City campus are well suited to respond to a number of western Chathams computer needs if policies are established to maximize opportunities for use of these valuable public resources by members of the general public. Although two miles from Siler Citys downtown, CCCC-SC is an extraordinary new resource that could help fill in the gaps in access to publicly available computers in Chatham Countys western region. One of the goals of Central Carolina Community College, including its Siler City campus, is to increase basic literacy skills and to train and retrain members of the public for participation in the local workforce. CCCC-SC houses 50 or so computers in computer labs with Spanish-capable software. Free computer training courses are available to the unemployed, soonto-be-unemployed, low-income, and disabled persons. Campus classrooms and labs, a welcoming and well-used student lounge, and evening courses provide a tremendous opportunity for residents of all ages and backgrounds to intermingle and increase their exposure to various trade skills and educational opportunities.

24

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. Measures that should be taken to enhance the value and usefulness of these outstanding resources include: Forging a partnership between the Siler City and Goldston libraries and CCCC-Siler City to better inform community residents about computer availability and training at CCCC-SC. Chathams Pittsboro library has been able to provide more expansive computer offerings and training in part because of a strong and welldefined partnership between the library and the community college. This cross-pollination benefits both the students and the general public. A similar partnership should be established in western Chatham County between the Wren and Goldston libraries and CCCCs Siler City campus that could be tailored to reflect the fact that there is more physical distance between the libraries and the community college campus than there is in Pittsboro. Currently, only students (and not members of the general public) can access the 50 or so new computers now housed in two computer labs at CCCCs Siler City campus, while community residents wait in line to use the small number of public computer terminals at the Wren and Goldston libraries. The County should encourage and assist CCCCSC and the Wren and Goldston libraries to share resources. For example, flyers could be distributed to library patrons alerting them to free and low-cost computer training courses available at CCCC-SC, with maps and directions on how to reach the campus using Chatham Transit. Similarly, information could be posted on the home pages of the public computer terminals at the Wren and Goldston libraries about other options for publicly accessible computers in the County, including the CCCC-SC facilities. Community college students could be enlisted to volunteer time at the Wren and Goldston libraries to help with computer and Internet training. Establishing flexible and open policies at the CCCC-Siler City campus to sanction use of the computer labs by members of the general public. Under current practices, a member of the general public must be a student to use the computers at CCCC-SC. CCCC-SC should establish policies to broadly define what constitutes a student so that it includes any senior citizen, unemployed, about-to-be unemployed, or under-employed resident of Siler City, Goldston, or western Chatham (whether or not officially enrolled) and any former community college student or any other Chatham resident willing to pay a nominal annual fee (something like $10 per year) for an ID card. To encourage enrollment at CCCC, enrolled students could be given priority over 25

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. non-enrolled public students. Such an approach will draw the public into the CCCC-SC facilities, fostering cross-pollination between the general public and the student body and exposing community residents to opportunities for vocational training and other educational opportunities at CCCC-SC. Establishing more rigorous computer lab room scheduling and firm times when computers can be utilized by students and the public. Although CCCC-Siler City originally expressed a willingness to open its computer labs to general public use during the afternoons, CCCCSiler City has not implemented such a policy because of higher-thanexpected enrollment.44 Although CCCCs Siler City campus staff report that both computer labs are fully booked, examination of the CCCC schedule suggests that the CCCC-Siler City computer labs are not booked for use for extended time periods and probably could be made available for broader community use during those time periods. Firmer and clearer scheduling of computer lab times could open access to students and to public students for computer use. Identifying funding or rearranging existing staff resources to staff the Siler City Campus computer labs during weekend hours for public use of the colleges computer facilities. The value of the CCCC-SC campus could be greatly enhanced by providing weekend hours for use of the computer labs by students and members of the public. This could be achieved by adding staff or reconfiguring the schedules of existing staff to provide front desk service on the weekends and Friday evenings (and on Fridays during the summer). CCCC-SC could also consider renting out space and equipment (such as the videoconferencing facilities or classrooms that will be equipped with smart boards in January of 2012) to local businesses and organizations when rooms are idle to produce additional funds. Adding computer repair and IT courses to CCCC-Siler Citys curriculum. Currently, community residents interested in developing IT or computer repair skills must drive to the CCCC-Sanford campus, a difficult proposition for low-income residents, especially those who do not own cars. CCCC-SC should develop plans to add IT training and computer repair courses to the CCCC curriculum at the Siler City campus. Computers repaired by CCCC students could then be filtered
We were unable to confirm enrollment levels for CCCC-Siler City, although other CCCC employees said that enrollment at CCCC-Siler City had actually declined. CCCC-Pittsboro, Interview, October 19, 2011.
44

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COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. back through the County library system or sold at low cost to low-income community residents. Establishing a capital budget plan for augmenting existing equipment for the two computer labs and to update the equipment in the future. Effectively using computers for job searches and enhanced research depends in some cases on also having access to color printers and scanners. CCCC-SC should include plans for acquiring such equipment and updating its existing equipment as necessary in its capital budgets.

B.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS COMPUTING AND INTERNET ACCESS DEFICITS IN THE COUNTY

Improving access to the computer facilities at CCCC-Siler City would represent a significant first step toward closing the digital divide in western Chatham County but does not address the widespread problems in the County associated with generally poor broadband service and long distances to the population centers where computer facilities are available to the public. Improved ability to prepare resumes and apply for jobs on-line will only come by increasing access to computers, equipment, and supporting materials.45 These needs call for a long-term strategy that focuses on a distributed approach to deploying public computer and Internet resources more widely in the County and improving existing capabilities.

1.

Libraries

Last year, more than 30 million Americans used library connections to seek jobs and 12 million children used them to do homework,46 but western Chatham Countys libraries are ill equipped to respond to these basic needs.47 The County should improve access to its libraries and expand resources within those libraries, beginning with western Chatham libraries.

A December 2010 Pew study underscores the importance of providing public access to computers (and printers) (at affordable prices) for minorities. That study found that African Americans and Latinos are more likely than other members of the population to obtain access to the Internet by cellular phones and that they use their phones more frequently and to do more things. A new "digital divide" appears to be emerging with Latinos and African Americans being challenged by relying on less expensive technical options such as smart phones. It's tough to fill out a job application on a cell phone, for example.[source] Researchers have noticed signs of segregation online that perpetuate divisions in the virtual world that exist in the physical world. See http://pewinternet.org/MediaMentions/2011/For-minorities-new-digital-divide-seen.aspx. That study also found 79% of those living in households earning $75,000 or more own desktop computers, compared to 55% of those living in less well-off homes; 79% of those living in higher-income households own laptops, compared with 47% of those living in less well-off homes. See http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1809/internet-usage-higher-income-americans (November 24, 2010).
45

Samantha Becker, Michael D. Crandall, et al., Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, Institute of Museum and Library Services, March, 2010.
46 47

See http://www.fcc.gov/blog/fcc-and-connect-compete-tackle-broadband-adoption-challenge.

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COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

a.

GoldstonandSilerCityLibraries

Various short-term measures can be taken to create an environment that is more responsive to the computer and Internet needs of western Chatham residents: Provide more evening and weekend library hours for residents who work standard work schedules (e.g., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on week days) by opening later in the day on late night days and informing residents of the new hours through County bill stuffers and the Countys website; Provide longer computer access time if and when more computers are acquired for these two libraries; Rearrange computers in these two libraries to provide more privacy for computer users, and provide more chairs for Wi-Fi users; Provide Wi-Fi access after regular library hours for public use but shut the Wi-Fi network down at a reasonable hour (perhaps 9 p.m.) to prevent late-night activity in the vicinity of the libraries; Acquire scanners and color printers for the two libraries and allow no-cost printing of resumes, job applications, and job postings by job seekers; Increase library staff to allow more opportunity to assist patrons in need of computer assistance; Provide the same computer training courses offered in Pittsboro in the Wren and Goldston libraries and increase that training by establishing a student-computer teacher program, where high school students obtain community service credits by teaching basic computer courses at a local library; and Consider adding expansion, replacement, or redesign and reconfiguring of the Wren Library to the Countys long-term capital plan so that residents of western Chatham County can eventually have access to computer and other library services more like those available at the new library in Pittsboro.

b.

Pi?sboroLibrary
Remove the three-hour limit on computer use until such time as computers in the computer room are more fully utilized; Provide Sunday hours for improved accessibility for residents who work week days (offset this extra time by modifying morning hours during the week or rearranging work schedules of library personnel); Make Wi-Fi service available after library hours and monitor usage to determine whether (and when) the Wi-Fi network should be shut down to prevent late-night activity in the vicinity of the library (there are no homes near this librarys parking lot so night-time use 28

COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. of the Internet may be of less concern than at the Siler City and Goldston libraries); and Establish a student-computer teacher program, where high school students obtain community service credits by teaching basic computer use courses at the library.

c.

AllChathamLibraries

The Chatham County libraries should make it easier for community residents to access public computers for job searches, training, and research by not requiring photo identification to use the computers. For example, the library system could establish a simple sign-in policy, since patrons will be on-site when using the computers.48

d.

FundingforSchoolsandLibraries:Erate

In these difficult economic times, savings from lowering the costs for the Countys Internet and telecommunications services could be reprogrammed and used to purchase additional computers or provide other improvements in publicly accessible technology. The federal government has established the e-rate program to subsidize the costs of Internet and telephone service for schools and libraries. The Chatham County Schools take advantage of the e-rate program, but the Countys library system does not. Under the e-rate program, the library system could qualify for discounts of 60% or more for its broadband and telephone costs. The library system should assess its Internet and telecommunications needs and apply for e-rate subsidies for existing services and other new broadband and telecommunications services that should be deployed in the library system in the future.

e.

FundingforSchools,Libraries,andNonprots:InkindServices

Computer training for community residents could be available in the form of donated in-kind services. The County should stay abreast of federal efforts aimed at providing these services through volunteer-based programs. For example, FCC Chairman Julius Genochowski recently announced steps to reduce computer illiteracy, including the following: Formation of a Digital Literacy Corps: This corps of volunteers would enable thousands of public libraries to hold basic digital literacy classes and allow schools to do the same during after-school hours (examples of expected services include teaching Americans how to search, use e-mail, utilize parental controls, and upload a resume). The Digital Literacy Corps would help Americans, whether young or old, English or Spanish-speaking, acquire the skills needed to find and apply for a job, access on-line classes, find health care information, and utilize e-government resources.

The library system for the District of Columbia does not require a library card for computer use; it requires only that patrons sign in so the proper time allocation for computer use can be measured.
48

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COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. Joint Private Sector and Nonprofit Initiative to Expand Digital Literacy (Connect to Compete): This FCC-backed initiative by private companies and non-profit organizations49 is designed to expand digital literacy and provide rich job-related and educational content. Companies committed to this initiative include: Best Buys Geek Squad, Microsoft, Arise Virtual Solutions, CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com, MetrixLearning, BrainFuse, Sesame, and Discovery Education. Geek Squad agents will begin training Americans in 20 cities, including large and small cities, over the next year, with plans to expand to additional communities. The Geek Squad will also train trainers, working with community groups to train others how to teach digital literacy. Microsoft will offer basic digital literacy and free job skills training, including training in Microsoft Office. Beginning in 15 states over the next three years, Microsoft will work with its partners to provide training in Microsoft Office through schools, libraries, and community colleges. Microsoft has also offered to conduct basic in-person digital literacy and office training in its stores. The company will also build a state-of-the-art online digital literacy training center with videos and other easy-tofollow content. Metrixlearning, an e-training company, has offered to provide free online training for job seekers needing to hone their basic skills in such matters as basic math and interview skills so that they have a better chance of being hired. The training will be available not only in English, but also in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Brainfuse, an online job-hunting, tutoring, and collaborative learning service, will provide individualized application and resume-writing assistance at no charge to the nation's hardest-pressed job seekers. The initiative is designed to help individuals improve outcomes in education, health, and employment through broadband opportunities and technology solutions. Connect to Compete will launch national pilot programs beginning in the spring of 2012.50

2.

SeniorCitizenCenters

Library staff in the western Chatham libraries mentioned the difficulties of not having the staff resources to respond to computer- and Internet-related questions from older patrons. Chatham
49

These grassroots organizations include: the Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, 4H, and members of the Broadband Opportunity Coalition (the Asian American Justice Center, National Council of La Raza (NCLR), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), National Urban League, One Economy, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and the Minority and Media Telecommunications Council (MMTC)).
50

http://connect2compete.org.

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COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. Western Senior Center in Siler City reported that it does not provide computers or computer training to visiting senior citizens, but expressed an interest in being able to offer both options to its patrons.

The County should consider adding computers (even refurbished or low-cost notebook computers) to its senior centers and offering computer training to its patrons. Students from area middle and high schools could be enlisted to provide this training for community service credits, which could provide life-enhancing cross-pollination among Chatham Countys young and old population.

3.

Public Schools

Chatham Countys public schools are distributed evenly throughout the County and are well equipped with computers and associated equipment and facilities. The school system also takes advantage of the federal e-rate program to obtain high-speed broadband service via direct fiber optic connections to the schools. A recent FCC modification of e-rate program rules now allows school systems to provide access to members of the public to e-rate funded facilities after regular school hours.51 Chatham County public schools that are already open after regular school hours could provide public access to their computer labs for computer training, Internet basics, job searching, or general computer and Internet use. This proposal could be implemented on an experimental basis, beginning with the high schools in the County (the media center at Jordan-Matthews High School is already open until 3:30 p.m. every school day; Northwood High School has slightly longer after-school hours (until 4 p.m. on some days)). Depending on how this experiment works, computer labs at other schools could be opened during after-school hours in the areas of the County where the need for broadband access is the greatest.

4.

In-home Computers and Broadband Service: Private Sector

The County should ask CenturyLink what steps it is taking to ensure that County residents who qualify for lifeline telephone service52 are provided with the low-cost computers, low-cost Internet service, and training that CenturyLink is required to provide as a condition of the FCCs reRe: Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism; A National Broadband Plan for our Future, CC Docket No. 02-6 and GN Docket No. 09-51, Sixth Report and Order, FCC 10-175, September 23, 2010, at 22-27.
51

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COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. cent approval of the CenturyLink-Qwest merger. The County should also propose to CenturyLink that it utilize Chatham Countys libraries or schools as sites for some of the 100 computer training sessions that CenturyLink is obligated to provide. The FCC imposed these (and other) requirements on CenturyLink on March 18, 2011, when it approved a merger between CenturyLink and Qwest. This merger has made CenturyLink the third largest incumbent telephone company in the nation. As part of this approval, CenturyLink is required to take three steps to encourage adoption of broadband service in all of its service areas.53 First, CenturyLink is obligated to offer discounted broadband Internet service for no more than $9.95 month for the first year (and $14.95 after the first year) to all qualifying customers. A qualifying customer is defined as a customer who is eligible for Lifeline telephone service in CenturyLinks territory but is not a CenturyLink broadband customer at the time of enrollment and is also not the subject of a CenturyLink collections activity. A qualifying customer must also agree to purchase the discounted broadband service for one year.54 Second, CenturyLink is obligated to provide each customer enrolled in its discounted broadband service program one low-cost computer (defined as costing no more than $150) if the customer agrees to purchase CenturyLinks discount broadband service for two years.55 Third, CenturyLink is obligated to spend $1 million over five years for a comprehensive customer education, computer training, and broadband promotion campaign by coordinating with 200 local community groups, libraries, schools, state and local institutions, and nonprofits to develop and distribute materials that describe the benefits and uses of broadband service. It will make available in-person training demonstrations at local anchor institutions (e.g., libraries, schools), distribute DVDs, conduct 100 in-person computer training sessions, and be responsive to requests for training at locations in its combined new service territory.56 Because CenturyLink is the largest provider of broadband service in the County, the County should ask CenturyLink to be included on its training list.

Lifeline is a federally established subsidy program for low-income telephone customers that is administered by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. In North Carolina, this program provides subsidies for a portion of the telephone bill of a person who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, Medicaid, section 8 housing assistance, energy assistance (Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)), or Work First Family Assistance benefits. See also http://www.ncuc.net/consumer/linkup.pdf.
52

Applications filed by Qwest Communications International Inc. and CenturyTel Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink for Consent to Transfer Control, W.C. Docket No. 10-110, Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 47-11, March 18, 2011 (FCC CenturyLink-Qwest Merger Approval), at 36 and Appendix C: IIC, D, E, F, G.
53 54 55 56

FCC CenturyLink-Qwest Merger Approval, Appendix C, II, A. FCC CenturyLink-Qwest Merger Approval, Appendix C, II, B. FCC CenturyLink-Qwest Merger Approval, Appendix C, II, C.

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COMPUTER CENTER PROJECT FOR CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C.

5.

Expand Broadband Availability

Without access to affordable, high-quality Internet service, the power of computer access to open up new educational and economic development opportunities for County residents will not be fully realized. The County should carefully consider the recommendations made in Action Audits August 2011 Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Chatham County and engage in longterm planning to build its own fiber backbone by reallocating revenues that it currently spends on various providers and services in an uncoordinated way. Such a backbone could then be used not only to reduce the Countys internal telecommunications costs, but also serve as a platform for private companies to extend broadband connections deeper into the County and provide more service options at competitive prices.

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