Why is this important?

Adequate communications are important for public safety, business and commerce, education, and government. Today, more than ever, all aspects of everyday life are dependent on communications technology.

What is the measure?

Indicators for communications are penetration of cable television, broadband such as digital subscriber line (DSL) service, satellite, wireless and T-1 lines, and number of towers/antennas identified and proposed for cellular technology.

How are we doing?

Telephone services continue to be provided by several communications companies.

The major franchise for cable television continues to offer 34 broadcast, 110 digital and 8 pay-per-view channels with "broadband" service in one direction only (video signals to the subscriber). Penetration has grown to approximately 61% of the potential 24,500 connections (such as households, apartments, motel rooms, and businesses). There are also two national satellite providers.

DSL is available in some of Sonora, Twain Harte, Tuolumne, Groveland, and Jamestown. About 55% of subscribers in the service areas receive broadband with DSL, satellite, wireless or T-1.

Wireless services are provided by cellular and internet service providers (ISP’s), and use existing cell towers for their service. Providers can lease space on towers owned by others. Our vast diversity of geography presents challenges, because wireless technology is by line of sight to the antennae. Sixteen towers are located in the county; 45 antennas and 4 cell phone towers are proposed.

Dependency on broadband has dramatically increased, as the population demands more goods and services at their fingertips. However, the demand is not fulfilled by the current services.