Rep. Panetta and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Convene Community Roundtable on Expanding of Broadband and Cellular Service in Big Sur
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, convened a roundtable of local elected leaders, residents, businesses, and internet service providers as well as state and federal broadband offices to discuss the expansion of broadband and cellular service in Big Sur. The collaborative dialogue covered strategies the Big Sur community can take to foster the build-out of critical broadband infrastructure in the region.
Currently, Big Sur struggles with widespread, reliable cellular service due to its rugged terrain and remote areas. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act invested $42.45 billion, with $1.86 billion to California, to support projects in unserved and underserved areas like Big Sur. Leaders and residents engaged on how to ensure accurate broadband availability maps that reflect the needs of the community and ensure Big Sur’s fair share of this transformative federal investment.
“The expansion of reliable, widespread broadband and cellular service is essential to the people of Big Sur and their economy, quality of life, and public safety,” said Rep. Panetta. “Last Congress, we made the largest federal investment in history to extend broadband to places that lack service and lower the everyday costs for families. This roundtable made clear that the Big Sur community is united in our efforts to ensure connectivity and ready to take coordinated action to secure the proper amount of investment in our home.”
“Access to reliable and affordable internet has become a critical necessity impacting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, yet too many disparities persist,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Investing in broadband infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and expanding last-mile connectivity are essential steps toward closing the Digital Divide in our rural communities and across the Monterey Bay region.”
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is currently being implemented in California by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Residents of Big Sur and California’s 19th Congressional District are encouraged to review broadband maps developed by the Federal Communications Commission to ensure accuracy and better target broadband infrastructure improvement efforts. To view your location and national maps visit: HERE. If the map is inaccurate and identifies a location as served despite lacking broadband access, let Rep. Panetta’s office know by visiting, HERE.
“The NTIA is providing much-needed funding for projects in hard-to-reach areas of California where traditional providers have refused to go,” said Robert Osborn, Communications Director at the CPUC.
“The Big Sur area is the "Poster Community" for the importance of Broadband for All and Public Safety! Our resident population is 1500-1700, but our annual visitation is estimated at 4.5-7 million each year. Both of these need to be factored together,” said Community Association of Big Sur President Patte Kronlund. “We are a rural community challenged with cell connectivity, internet connectivity and AT&T landlines. All of these need to be figured into the solutions to reach the goal of 100% of the households having Broadband for All. The goal of reaching 100% for all households will take local boots-on-the-ground knowledge working with ISP's to design a custom system that will serve the Big Sur area.”
Friday’s roundtable brought together; Rep. Panetta, Monterey County Supervisor Mary Adams, Monterey County Eric Chatham, representatives from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and CPUC as well as the offices of State Assemblymember Dawn Addis and State Senator John Laird. Community organizations from Big Sur participating included those from the Big Sur Community Association, Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, Big Sur CERT, California Highway Patrol, Big Sur Fire, Big Sur Health Center, and more. The event also included representatives from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) which are critical to expanding broadband and cellular service in the area.
Residents can sign up for updates from CPUC on continued work to expand broadband access in Big Sur by visiting, HERE.
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