* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Cohen
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Calling on Comcast to Help Close the Digital Divide in Baltimore
For the purpose of calling on the Baltimore City Government to demand Comcast increase download and upload speeds under the Internet Essentials Program; extend the free Internet Essentials Program until 60 days beyond the complete re-opening of public schools; and to open all existing Xfinity hotspots free to the public for 60 days after the full restoration of public school.
body
Recitals
Whereas, Children are constitutionally guaranteed an education by Article VIII of the Maryland Constitution. Yet, unless children have access to adequate high-speed internet during the pandemic, they cannot receive an education. This includes summer courses that Baltimore students rely on in order to stay on track to graduate. Further, many children cannot get an education due to internet quality and access issues;
Whereas, Comcast of Baltimore City, LLC was granted a 10-year franchise agreement to construct, operate, and maintain a cable communications system in Baltimore in and across streets and public ways beginning 11/1/2016, allowing Comcast of Baltimore City, LLC exclusive access to infrastructure needed to provide and maintain Internet connectivity to residents;
Whereas, Affordable high-speed internet connections are vitally important for the education and future employment of Bal...
Click here for full text