The Oregon Broadband Advisory Council (OBAC) was established in 2009 and has since been instrumental in shaping the state’s broadband strategy. The council was recently restructured by House Bill 4092, signed by Governor Brown on March 23, 2022, to prepare for a significant federal broadband investment. The new composition includes representation for rural businesses, urban businesses, telehealth, and the digital equity interests of historically disadvantaged communities.
One of the key members of the OBAC is David Yamamoto, a County Commissioner for Tillamook County. Yamamoto, who was elected in November 2016, has a background, having worked in the forest products industry for over 20 years, followed by a career as a long-term care specialist, and an Oregon Real Estate Broker.
The OBAC’s duties are extensive and include advising the Oregon Broadband Office on the development and implementation of Oregon’s broadband strategy, reviewing and updating state goals regarding broadband service speeds, and supporting local governments, providers, and stakeholders in project planning and development. The council also champions equitable statewide access and adoption of broadband services.
Broadband Connectivity in Tillamook County
Tillamook County, represented by David Yamamoto on the OBAC, is part of the council’s efforts to improve broadband connectivity across Oregon. Yamamoto’s role in the council ensures that the specific needs and challenges of Tillamook County are considered in the state’s broadband strategy.
Future of Broadband in Oregon
With the restructuring of the OBAC and the anticipated federal broadband investment, Oregon is poised to make significant strides in improving broadband infrastructure and access. The council’s focus on equity and representation of diverse interests ensures that all Oregon residents, including those in Tillamook County, will benefit from these advancements.
Community Engagement in Broadband Access
In an effort to improve broadband access in Oregon, the Oregon Broadband Office has been actively seeking input from the community. They have organized a series of community meetings across Oregon, including in Tillamook County, to gather information on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These meetings are aimed at understanding the experiences of residents with their current internet services and the devices they use to access the internet.
One such meeting was held in Tillamook on May 22, 2023. The meeting was free and open to the public, and it provided an opportunity for residents to share their experiences and contribute to the state’s five-year action plan for broadband improvement. The feedback collected from these meetings will be instrumental in shaping the state’s strategy for utilizing federal funding to enhance high-speed, reliable internet access in areas that need it most.
The Oregon Broadband Office’s approach to community engagement is a testament to their commitment to ensuring that the broadband strategy is informed by the needs and experiences of Oregon residents. This approach is particularly crucial for rural areas like Tillamook County, where broadband access can significantly impact residents’ ability to work, learn, and access services.
The Challenges of Broadband Connectivity in Tillamook County
Tillamook County, like many rural areas, faces unique challenges when it comes to broadband connectivity. The county’s terrain is diverse and challenging, with a mix of coastal areas, forests, and mountains. This geographical diversity, while beautiful, makes it difficult to establish the infrastructure necessary for high-speed internet.
Moreover, the county is characterized by its numerous bodies of water, including the Tillamook Bay and several rivers, which further complicate the installation of broadband infrastructure. The sparsity of the population in the county also poses a challenge. With fewer potential customers spread over a large area, traditional internet providers often find it uneconomical to invest in these rural communities. The return on investment simply isn’t there for them.
As a result, many areas of Tillamook County have limited internet access, with some places getting barely over 20mb download speeds. This lack of high-speed internet access can significantly impact the residents’ ability to work, learn, and access essential services.
This is where public investment becomes crucial. Given the economic constraints faced by traditional internet providers, public funding is often necessary to improve broadband access in rural communities like Tillamook County. The Oregon Broadband Office’s efforts to secure federal funding and engage with the community are steps in the right direction. By understanding the specific needs and challenges of Tillamook County, they can ensure that the broadband strategy and the allocation of federal funding effectively address these issues.
