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Not only does Broadband reduce out of pocket costs, it also increases home values and can provide new jobs. A
study by the Fiber-To-The-Home Council and the University of Colorado showed that single family homes that
boast a FTTH connection are worth, on average, 3.1% more than their non- fiber counterparts. In Morristown, TN
a call center planned to relocate to the city due to the municipal utility’s fiber network. Morristown offered to
install the fiber for free because the city valued the future economic benefits the call center would bring to
Morristown over the cost of the fiber installation.
The example above, shows the potential impact Broadband can have on the community. While access to
Broadband is an equity issue, not everyone is able to take advantage of the opportunities. According to the 2017
American Community Survey, approximately 77% of residents in Newport News have a broadband subscription.
The wealthiest tracts have an adoption rate of around 90% while the lowest income tracts have a rate of close to
50%. Demographically, those tracts that are the lowest income and have the lowest broadband subscription rate
are also those that are heavily minority - approximately 91.8% minority. Those tracts with high broadband
adoption rates are also wealthier and average only 22% minority. The data shows, there is a strong need for
affordable broadband access in our low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Describe the need for increased competition by having more than one broadband Internet service provider
serve the jurisdiction.
The City of Newport News is serviced by two broadband internet service providers in the Southeast Community –
Cox Communications and Verizon. Cox provides broadband over hybrid fiber-coaxial network infrastructure
whereas Verizon uses twisted pair wire rather than coaxial cable as the access medium. Verizon also provides
access over fiber for its FiOS broadband service. Cox residential customers pay approximately $0.61 per month
per Mbps. Verizon Fios residential customers pay approximately $0.06 per month for a Mbps of throughput.
While most parts of the City are fortunate to have multiple options, there are several key spots in the area that
has no or only one company providing services to them. The areas with only one company are typically serviced
by Cox which is much more expensive per Mbps than Verizon Fios. Having more than one service provider can
reduce cost and increase the diversity of offerings. Both providers also offer different discounted rates programs
for low-income areas. While the cost per Mbps is extremely high, it does allow people to get some internet access
to their homes for a low monthly price.
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