Sunnyvale

The rapid development of advanced telecommunications resources carries the promise of new economic prosperity, new tools for streamlining the delivery of both public and private services, and new opportunities to improve the quality of life of citizens. While cities can anticipate these benefits in the near future, local governments must be mindful of the impact of this emerging industry on cities and on the citizens they serve. To this end, the City of Sunnyvale has developed a comprehensive telecommunications policy that will define the City's roles as regulator, service provider, and facilitator.

The policy goals and objectives contained in this document provide a guide for the City in addressing the complex and ever-changing arena of advanced telecommunications. While this policy covers a wide range of telecommunications issues, the City is mindful that this is a "living" document that will evolve continuously to reflect the evolution of the telecommunications industry as well as state and federal regulatory policy.

Over the next three to five years, a successful City of Sunnyvale telecommunications policy will mean that: The City will maintain regulatory control over its rights-of-way within the confines of state and federal legislation and exercise that control consistently for telecommunications service providers while promoting interoperability among service providers. The City will retain franchising authority for the use of public property and will receive similar fair compensation from providers offering similar services. The City will also promote a telecommunications infrastructure that ensures universal accessibility to all City residents and businesses. Through the franchising process, the City will seek to gain equal access to the infrastructure in order to provide public services and information. The City will continue to encourage competition in the provision of voice, video and data services to keep service prices affordable for City residents while regulating basic rates as allowable by law until effective competition develops. The City will engage in an ongoing review of opportunities for implementation of telecommunications technology to improve customer service to City residents, promote public participation in local government, encourage communication among residents, and increase staff productivity while reducing operating costs. Equity in the provision of City services is a major priority and the City will ensure that all residents have access to City information and services offered through telecommunications. The pace at which the City proceeds with utilization of telecommunications technology will be related to the balance between the current formats of service delivery and the known benefit versus the known cost of implementation and use of the technology. The City's application of telecommunications will be guided by its service and information needs rather than a desire to find uses for novel technology. The City will actively seek out opportunities for partnerships with public and private organizations as a means to meet service needs and actively pursue state, federal and private grant funding for partnerships that offer substantial public benefits. The City's use of telecommunications will be linked to economic development strategies that will encourage private sector investment in the construction of the telecommunications infrastructure, the development of high-tech office centers, and the use of telecommunications in the provision of City services to attract economic activities.

Policy Administration Responsibility

Administration of the Telecommunications Policy is the responsibility of the Mayor's Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the City Council. The policy will be reviewed and evaluated annually, or earlier as conditions warrant, by the subcommittee in conjunction with the Director of Information Technology and staff.

The Director of Information Technology has responsibility for implementation and oversight of all telecommunications services and issues in the City of Sunnyvale. Specific policies will be recommended by the Director of Information Technology relating to implementation of specific telecommunications services as applicable.

Summary of Goals and Objectives

Based on findings and issues outlined in this document, staff has identified three roles for the City in telecommunications: regulator, service provider, and facilitator. The proposed goals and objectives are related to each identified role as follows:

The City as Regulator

GOAL A:

To retain control of public property within the confines of state and federal legislation to regulate telecommunications services provided to Sunnyvale citizens.

Policy Objectives: Promote retention of the City's regulatory role in telecommunications. Advocate symmetrical regulation for all Sunnyvale telecommunications service providers. Encourage high quality service and service standards for all telecommunications providers. Advocate for privacy laws and security standards at State and Federal levels which protect Sunnyvale telecommunications users.

GOAL B:

To promote universal access to telecommunications services for all Sunnyvale citizens.

Policy Objectives: Promote universal service and access for every Sunnyvale citizen. Promote the opportunity for Sunnyvale citizens to acquire the appropriate telecommunications skills to participate in a technologically advanced society.

The City as Service Provider

GOAL C:

To use telecommunications to maintain and enhance information resources and services provided to Sunnyvale citizens.

Policy Objectives: Use telecommunications to provide public information to Sunnyvale citizens, businesses, industries and schools. Use telecommunications to improve the City's efficiency and delivery of public services while reducing operating costs. Use telecommunications to enhance the lives of Sunnyvale citizens.

The City as Facilitator

GOAL D:

To promote use of telecommunications technology, where appropriate and within the scope of available resources, to enhance the economic vitality of Sunnyvale.

Policy Objectives: Encourage Sunnyvale businesses and industries in leveraging telecommunications technology to remain competitive. Encourage Sunnyvale businesses and industries in conducting business with anyone, anywhere, at any time. Advocate legislation that identifies telecommunications revenue sources for local governments.

GOAL E:

To facilitate the creation of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, within given resources, for Sunnyvale citizens, businesses, industries and schools.

Policy Objectives: Advocate that the Sunnyvale telecommunications infrastructure is a reliable broadband interactive digital network that will provide advanced telecommunications services for its citizens, businesses, industries and schools. Promote interconnection and common carrier collaboration among Sunnyvale telecommunications providers and the City. Promote a telecommunications system designed to stimulate competition and innovation.

INTRODUCTION

"The true value of a network is less about information and more about community. The information superhighway is more than a shortcut to every book in the Library of Congress. It is creating a totally new, global social fabric."

-- Being Digital, Nicholas Negroponte (1995)

Purpose of a City Telecommunications Policy

Since the late 1980's, telecommunications technologies have expanded rapidly as a wide range of industries compete and collaborate to build the national broadband network known as the "information superhighway" and share in its economic possibilities.

These industries are as diverse as cable television, long-distance and mobile telephone, Internet providers, local utilities and regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs). They have partnered with software and hardware firms to develop the programming and services that will be delivered over the information superhighway to businesses, governments, hospitals, schools and homes. Competition is fierce to be in control of a single broadband wire that provides voice, data and video services to the consumer. Potential revenues from all broadband services were estimated in the $900 billion a year range in 1993 and are expected to increase as new technologies emerge.

The rapid convergence of technologies, the increasing use of computers at home and in the workplace, and the private sector race to build and control the information superhighway present a number of policy issues for the City of Sunnyvale. In keeping with the City's proactive stance on policy issues, the telecommunications policy will develop goals to address both short-term and selected long-term telecommunications issues in a coordinated and rational manner.

While telecommunications policy has been set at the national level, decisions for commercial use of telecommunications technology are being strongly influenced by the private sector. However, local governments and their residents will feel the strongest impact of these decisions. It is local rights-of-way where the telecommunications plant is being installed. It is local residents and businesses that will generate revenue for the services and products offered. It is the economic health of local communities that will be impacted most by economic shifts from the increased use of technology. Finally, it is in local communities that the character of communications will change to reflect changes in global communications as a result of the continuing development of the information superhighway.

Telecommunications technology will play an increasingly greater role in several major areas of immediate importance to the City, including the provision of City services and dissemination of information to the public, the City's economic development strategy to retain current members of the business community while attracting new businesses, revenue enhancement, and improved quality of life. It is important that the City develop general policy approaches to maximize the benefits of the growing use of telecommunications technology while keeping potential costs and liabilities to a minimum for the City and its citizens. When this general policy is implemented, the City will be in a position to develop a more specific and effective approach to protect its assets and interests and to manage its telecommunications resources.

A New Infrastructure for 21st Century Communities

Traditionally, copper wire has been the primary method for delivering audio-based services while coaxial cable has been the method for delivering video services. In recent years, the development of fiber optic technology has contributed to the growing deployment of broadband networks that allow for the transmission of audio and video services, in addition to huge quantities of information. The emerging infrastructure will be infinitely more intelligent, robust and flexible than the one it is gradually replacing. In the near future, consumers may have a single wire to their residence or business providing a variety of new and upgraded services such as high-definition broadcast television, video-on-demand, enhanced audio services, teleconferencing, direct Internet access and high-speed data connections. This single wire will be part of a local infrastructure that could offer termination points for coaxial cable, copper cable, fiber optics cable or even a wireless hub. Most of the standards and technologies for these advanced services exist today, but remain in flux, presenting a dilemma for local governments: how should they address standards for telecommunications providers as the technology continues to change?

Convergence and Competition

In the past, American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) was universally recognized as the world's best single telecommunications provider with its unparalleled standardization, network reliability, universal access and cost control and, as such, quickly became a monopoly. However, AT&T's monopoly was threatened in the 1960s as new technologies including cellular phones and cable television emerged, and the company faced competition from new telecommunications companies such as MCI and Sprint. Advances in digital communications and home computers created telecommunications paradigm shifts as existing regulations governing the industry did not account for these emerging issues.

The AT&T monopoly ended in 1984 when the company was split into regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs) offering local service, with long distance service retained by AT&T. At the same time, new competitors entered the long distance service market, resulting in more choices for consumers in an already complex marketplace. The cable television industry is now making the technical and financial options in cable TV more complicated, compounded by the interplay and technical conversion of telephone, cable TV, computing and digital communications.

Historically, telephone companies and cable companies have been prohibited from providing services in each other's market. However, new market entry rules set forth in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 provide for a new marketplace that will allow these companies to offer a wider range of services. Partnerships between cable companies, telephone companies and other telecommunications service providers may develop in some areas to provide the consumer with a single wire affording a full range of voice, video and data services. In other areas, these companies are poised to directly compete with each other to provide that single wire.

While the federal government is exploring ways to remove existing legal barriers hindering the development of the information superhighway, the potential range of products and services available as a result of emerging technology is rapidly changing the telecommunications marketplace. Information providers in both the public and private sectors are looking at ways to make more information and services conveniently available to more people through the use of telecommunications. The RBOCs and the large cable companies are positioning themselves to bring an array of informational services and products to the consumer, including entertainment, home shopping and Internet access. Software companies are developing a widening array of potential applications to use the emerging information superhighway. Fiber optic companies are beginning to install the facilities to provide an alternative to Pacific Bell telephone service for the business community. Long distance telephone companies are considering the use of fiber optics to offer video, data and local telephone services. PG&E has partnered with TCI to use fiber optics to improve energy management through the cable system.

As a result of all this activity, the differences between voice, video and data technologies are blurring. The marketplace restrictions that have traditionally segregated long distance and regional telephone companies, cable companies, and other types of telecommunications providers have recently disappeared. Competition has unleashed tremendous entrepreneurial energy which, combined with technological innovation, has produced new industries, alliances and classes of products, resulting in new opportunities for the City.

Regulatory Issues

Fair and open competition, universal access, privacy and economic development are important to local government, as they are to the state and federal governments. Though the information superhighway will not be controlled by any one entity, individual local governments should have significant control over the pace of development, use of rights-of-way and other issues concerning their local information highways. Additionally, telecommunications technologies will give rise to new questions as well as new opportunities. How will local governments collect sales tax in cyberspace? How should new telecommunications services be installed in homes and businesses? How does the City ensure that information previously provided free-of-charge remains so?

Over the next few years, monitoring, managing and regulating telecommunications will prove to be a daunting task for local governments, including Sunnyvale. The sheer number of technological decisions, financial commitments and corporate alliances is likely to be unprecedented. New methods of financing, pricing and planning for emerging telecommunications products and services will be required in the not-too-distant future.

Community Conditions

Technological advances are opening possibilities for improving the quality of life for Sunnyvale citizens as well as the manner in which industry and government operate. Improved technology allows people to be more productive and better entertained, educated and informed. As a result, telecommunications technology is becoming an increasingly important economic and social benefit for the City. The challenge facing the City is to gain maximum benefit from this more competitive environment by preserving and extending the best aspects of current technology while upgrading and expanding to incorporate advanced technology. The City seeks to keep abreast of the emerging technologies and to incorporate those most appropriate to improve services offered to the City's schools, businesses, industries, community organizations and residents.

Specific community conditions that point to development of a City telecommunications policy are: Fluctuating telecommunications conditions. Rational implementation of telecommunications for local governments requires the development of a coherent policy and the creation of a dynamic infrastructure. City policy must balance the interests and rights of residents, members of the telecommunications industry and the larger world with which residents may communicate. Telecommunications, like other City services, must be predictable, reliable and serve the interests of its customers. The City's future economic vitality. The emerging information superhighway will be a major economic arena in the twenty-first century and the City's economic vitality will be tied to coherent, robust connections to this superhighway. As employment, education and entertainment become increasingly more intertwined with technology, the City's residents, public entities, and businesses will need to attach to the same vigorous infrastructure. If the City's telecommunications infrastructure is robust, established high-technology industries will be attracted to the City, and new industries will arise here. Protection of public rights. The City is concerned about maintaining control of its public rights-of-way and franchising authority in order to protect the rights of its citizens as well as its roadway infrastructure. The City's advocacy position for fair and open competition, universal access, privacy and security also reflect areas of concern. Improved quality-of-life for City residents. Improved quality-of-life for Sunnyvale citizens requires the ability to compete for employment in a global marketplace, to communicate with anyone at any time, to gain access to world-wide information, to engage in electronic commerce, to learn throughout a lifetime, to improve health care and to care for citizens with special needs. Keeping pace with improved technology in the private sector. The City has an opportunity to utilize emerging telecommunications technology to collect and dispense public information, such as City Council agendas, recreation schedules, and payment of utility bills around the clock, from homes, offices or public sites.

A Vision for Telecommunications

In January and February of 1995, the City hosted two focus groups, representing a broad range of community interests and technical knowledge, to provide comment on telecommunications issues. These focus groups were intended to provide an opportunity for the people who are the providers or recipients of telecommunications services to offer input on the policy framework. The major community concerns were identified and, as a result, a vision for the future of telecommunications in Sunnyvale developed that contains the following components: Telecommunications will be of strategic importance to the City. The telecommunications infrastructure will offer City residents easy access and connectivity to worldwide information. Telecommunications technologies will attract an increasing share of new business to the City, providing for revenue enhancement. The City will foster a level playing field for all companies that offer telecommunications services and products. Telecommunications will enhance rapid, effective and efficient police, fire and emergency response, resulting in enhancement of public safety. The City will pursue partnerships that address community-wide telecommunications concerns. City staff will have the necessary tools and information to serve residents effectively and efficiently in order to maintain high-quality customer service in a changing environment. An interactive electronic "Town Hall" will provide access to information that increases the capability of citizens and businesses to find cooperative solutions to problems in the public and private sectors City staff will be empowered to develop and implement sound public policies and services effectively, collaboratively and efficiently in an information-rich environment. The City will encourage and facilitate access to telecommunications technologies for citizens, businesses, education, health care and social services.

The City's Roles in Emerging Telecommunications Technology

The City needs coordinated, thoughtful responses to emerging telecommunications issues and opportunities over the next three to five years to lay the foundation for the development of a more comprehensive set of policies and plans for the long term as the industry stabilizes. Developing a general approach to emerging issues will guide the City in avoiding potential problems while taking advantage of opportunities.

In developing a telecommunications policy, the City needs to define the emerging issues and the City's roles in addressing these issues in three key areas: The City as Regulator: What are the major regulatory issues that will face the City in the immediate future? What legislative priorities should the City advocate to address its most important telecommunications concerns? What will the regulatory role of local government be in the face of legislative change? The City as Service Provider: How should the City use telecommunications to disseminate information to the public, improve interaction with residents, and improve the quality of City services provided to citizens? The City as Facilitator: What role should the City play to facilitate the development of a telecommunications infrastructure in Sunnyvale? Should the City consider owning the infrastructure? What partnerships should the City pursue in order to accomplish its telecommunications goals?

THE CITY AS REGULATOR

"The first and most prominent risk is the potential loss of franchise fees through the loss of regulatory authority...The loss of franchise fees by local government and the loss of regulatory authority for public rights-of-way means more than a financial loss, it means a loss of empowerment for local government. Local governments will no longer be allowed to look out for their own - and their citizens' - best interests in terms of what types of telecommunications systems are brought into their communities."

-- Government Technology, February 1995

As a regulator, the City is faced with several important questions presented by advanced telecommunications technologies. These questions consider the major regulatory issues currently facing local governments, the legislative issues local governments should advocate and the evolution of the regulatory role of local governments.

Federal, State and Local Regulation

As the technologies and services of telecommunications providers become more and more similar, the multiple regulatory jurisdictions and authorities present an increasingly uncertain regulatory environment. Technology has outpaced the legal structure regarding regulation, presenting questions on issues such as local control of public rights-of-way, receiving fair compensation for use of public rights-of way, local franchising requirements, and rate regulation in the absence of effective competition. The development and implementation of telecommunications policies and regulations involve all levels of government, from local to federal, and in most cases, local authority is dependent on state and federal legislation.

At the federal level, at the time of this writing, a telecommunications reform bill titled "The Telecommunications Act of 1996" has passed both the House and the Senate and awaits President Clinton's signature. This bill will spur sweeping changes in the telecommunications marketplace by defining market entry rules and deregulating cable television rates. The key victory in this bill is the confirmation of the rights of local government to manage and receive fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory compensation from all telecommunications providers for the use of the public rights-of-way. The most problematic provisions of the bill address zoning standards for the siting of cellular antennae and satellite dishes and the deregulation of cable television rates in the absence of effective competition.

At the state level, new regulations in effect January 1, 1996 will allow competition in the local telephone service market. This deregulation paves the way for joint ventures between local, long-distance and alternate service providers, as well as cable television and other telecommunications providers.

As federal and state governments attempt to increase competition and encourage private investment by removing regulations and barriers to participation in the telecommunications marketplace, it is important for local governments to protect their ability to manage telecommunications in the community in order to maximize services while minimizing any negative impacts on the City infrastructure, as well as its revenues. The best avenue to achieve this protection is advocacy of telecommunications legislation. Staff will continue to monitor key legislation at the state and federal level and seek the assistance of the City Council in influencing this legislation.

Public Property and Public Rights

The City currently exercises varying degrees of regulatory authority relating to the cable television, telephone and public utility companies providing services in Sunnyvale. As the telecommunications infrastructure continues to develop and the barriers between providers dissolve, questions are emerging around the regulatory parameters contained in state and federal legislation and what the City's regulatory role should be for telecommunications infrastructures built on property held in the public trust by the City.

The City's current regulatory authority over each major provider now operating in the City is as follows: Cable TV - TCI, Inc. Cable television companies require a franchise granted by City ordinance to operate in Sunnyvale. The City evaluates company compliance with the requirements of the franchise in such areas as customer service, technical standards, and public benefit use. The City regulates basic service rates and collects a franchise fee for use of the public rights-of-way equivalent to 5% of the gross revenues generated from Sunnyvale subscribers. Telephone - Pacific Bell and Alternative Providers. Pacific Bell and alternative telephone providers are regulated by the State Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and are exempt from local franchising requirements, including payment of franchise fees, but must obtain City encroachment permits for underground construction. Since telephone companies are considered utilities, they are required to collect the City's 2% utility users' tax. Public Utility Company - PG&E. Gas and electric companies are also regulated by the PUC, but unlike the telephone companies, PG&E holds an indefinite franchise with the City established in the 1930's. The company pays a franchise fee to the City equivalent to 1% of the gross revenues generated from Sunnyvale customers and must also collect the 2% utility users' tax. Although required to obtain encroachment permits, PG&E has unrestricted access to rights-of-way and despite operating under a City franchise, is not subject to the same provisions as the cable company, such as customer service standards.

Recent questions have surfaced regarding the potential impact and regulatory parameters of emerging wireless technologies such as cellular telephone, microwave and satellite. For the present, the role for local government in regulating these technologies remains unclear.

The City is concerned with the potential negative impact on the integrity of public rights-of-way as a result of increasing access for new, upgrade, maintenance and repair construction by current and future telecommunications companies. The City is also concerned with the potential costs resulting from accelerated wear and damage to the rights-of-way and the issue of growing unsightliness in the community from the proliferation of overhead wires, ground amplifiers, junction boxes and so on. To protect public property, the City strongly advocates that state and federal legislation continue to provide local government with the authority to protect the integrity of public assets. All users of the public rights-of-way should be subject to a uniform set of standards regulating similar activities and required to pay fair compensation equitably in order to ensure a "level playing field". If telecommunications providers are allowed unrestricted access without payment of fair compensation, the potential loss of revenue coupled with the increased costs incurred to impede further degradation of the public rights-of-way will have an enormous negative impact on the City.

Privacy and Security

Evolving telecommunications technologies offer tremendous opportunities, but may also pose threats to individual privacy by offering increased abilities of businesses, governments and others to access personal information. Protecting personal privacy interests and confidentiality is a critical component of the City's telecommunications policy.

Privacy laws and security standards in telecommunications are not new concerns, but until recently were largely related to the protection of personal conversations from electronic eavesdropping or wiretapping. Modern technologies have extended this concern to the arena of personal information and habits. For example, signaling systems that transmit origination data with each telephone call require safeguards to ensure the data is not used inappropriately by companies or individuals to develop profiles containing personal information on users such as financial status, purchasing habits, and political or social affiliations. Systems being developed to provide on-demand video services have the capability to record individual viewing habits. Telecommuting applications might enable employers to monitor each keystroke of individual work performance. Every electronic purchase or information selection could be used to develop dossiers of personal preferences, habits, and associations to be used for inappropriate purposes.

Increased use of telecommunications to access information, obtain entertainment, purchase goods and services, improve health care, education and employment, or simply to communicate with others must not come at the price of reduced privacy. The City strongly advocates privacy laws and security standards which protect Sunnyvale citizens and businesses such as: security for financial and personal transactions, confidentiality guarantees of user information, and a "digital signature" standard that reliably identifies both the sender and the recipient of electronic transactions.

Universal Access

The City advocates the provision of universal access and supports the inclusion of this concept in state and federal telecommunications legislation. The 1934 Communications Act required universal service, and as a result the telephone infrastructure reaches nearly every home in the nation and continues to play a critical role in the cost of providing basic telephone services to consumers today. It is therefore reasonable to expect that universal access will play a similarly critical role in the building, use and cost of the telecommunications infrastructure in Sunnyvale and throughout the nation.

As new technology enhances telecommunications capabilities, the basic services must continue to meet the changing needs of Sunnyvale citizens. Therefore, the definition of basic universal service must be expanded as new services become essential to participation in the social and economic mainstream. Whereas today's universal service encompasses only voice and low-speed data transmission, future universal service will include higher-speed data and video transmission.

Provision of universal access addresses the social issue of creating potential distinctions between information "haves" and "have nots." In an effort to combat creation of such distinctions, the City's policy position supports state and federal legislation that promotes affordability, competition, interconnectivity of systems, and uniform, non-discriminatory provision of services. Further, the City supports the requirement that all telecommunications service providers equitably share the responsibility as well as the cost for maintaining universal service.

The City supports the opportunity for Sunnyvale citizens to acquire the appropriate skills to take full advantage of advanced telecommunications. As such, the City will endeavor to encourage Sunnyvale schools to implement programs that will help students acquire these skills. Additionally, the City intends to promote life-long learning through the use of telecommunications and to facilitate technical training and telecommunications access for all Sunnyvale citizens.

The City's advocacy position promotes the belief that as the number of people and institutions able to access the telecommunications infrastructure increases, the more value it has for the community as a whole. Ultimately, telecommunications products and services should be as universally accessible in the future as telephone service is today. The City stands to benefit from universal access in that as the number of residents able to access telecommunications increases, the more the City will be able to use telecommunications to provide services and make information available to the residents. In turn, that capability will make the City government more accessible and more efficient and will encourage a higher degree of public participation in and support for local government. Indeed, a large percentage of the City's roles as regulator and service provider, as well as facilitator, is dependent on universal access to the telecommunications infrastructure.

THE CITY AS SERVICE PROVIDER

"The information superhighway is not about wires, conduit and equipment, but about value as to how it can help with people's lives."

-- John Young, Chairman, SmartValley

Telecommunications presents additional questions for the City as a service provider. These questions consider the use of telecommunications to disseminate information to the public, improved interaction with citizens, and enhancement of the quality of public services as well as enhancement of the citizens' quality of life.

Public Services and Public Information

The City of Sunnyvale uses a variety of telecommunications technologies in providing services to the public, including telephones, voice mail, fax machines, personal computers, cable television, and internal and external e-mail. City utilization of telecommunications is for both internal staff use and to communicate with the public and is employed by virtually every department in day-to-day operations. Examples of current City uses include: The Sunnyvale Public Library: The Library employs a computerized catalog system accessible to residents from terminals located in the Library or personal computers with a modem from their home or office. Recent implementations of telecommunications technologies include Internet connections, an automated check-out station, computerized telephonic late notices and a menu-driven voice mail information system for reference services. Community Development: Residents and businesses are able to fax building permit applications to the department for processing, reducing the amount of time an applicant spends at City Hall. KSUN - Channel 18: The government access channel on cable television is used to enhance dissemination of information to the public on City services, activities and issues. Council and Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live and a bulletin board provides information on local government activities and services. Voice Mail: The City has installed voice mail in several departments to increase staff efficiency in providing customer service by allowing the caller the option to leave detailed messages for specific staff at any time. Internet: A limited number of addresses were initially established on the Internet to provide citizens with an opportunity for increased access via electronic mail, with all messages routed through the Information Technology Department. The City is in the process of establishing a permanent Internet connection and once completed, will be available within each department to communicate with the public and other agencies. SunDial: This audio-based automated citizens' information system (ACIS) contains pre-recorded messages on City services and activities and is available to citizens by telephone 24 hours a day. A number of these messages have fax-back capability, i.e. documents linked to the messages that can be faxed to the caller upon request.

Potential Future Telecommunications Uses

In addition to technologies already in use, the City is exploring potential applications for telecommunications to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction in the provision of City services. One such application is wireless communications. While the building of the information superhighway involves the installation of a large physical plant (i.e. cabling and supporting equipment), wireless technology, now in the infancy stage of development, holds promise for new opportunities. The City is currently involved in a pilot project to evaluate using wireless modems attached to laptop computers communicating with the City's networks and databases, enabling Public Safety officers, building inspectors and other field personnel to write reports and perform records searches from any location.

Wireless telecommunications is on the horizon, in addition to other new technologies such as frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), desktop video, as well as capabilities not yet envisioned. The City is mindful that in the not-too-distant future, fiber optics may be as obsolete as copper and coaxial are becoming today and intends to maintain an on-going evaluation of emerging technologies in order to be prepared for new opportunities as the technology continues to evolve.

A recurring theme from participants in the telecommunications focus groups concerned

direct links with City staff, information and programs. While it is not possible for the City to ensure that every home and business has telecommunications equipment, it is possible for the City to ensure access to all available City information or services. That access may be assured by the placement of City-owned terminals or kiosks in key public locations, such as the Library, Community Center, Senior Center, and City Hall. Consideration will also be given to public locations accessible and frequently used by large numbers of people, such as shopping malls and supermarkets. These locations will enable access at the citizens' convenience, outside of normal business hours. The number of terminals or kiosks needed would depend on the nature of the City services and information available and the anticipated public use, increasing in number as usage increases, or decreasing in number as more citizens go on-line from their homes.

An additional application with possible benefits to the City is development of a telecommuting program for City staff. Telecommuting will make more information available to staff at any time from any location and move the information to staff, rather than requiring staff to be where the information is located. Such a program has the potential to increase productivity and reduce costs from several sources including: major time savings from elimination of commute time, fewer office interruptions, fewer days lost to illness, and increased opportunities in the areas of emergency response, animal control, and public works.

Quality of Life

Advances in telecommunications may enhance the quality of life of all citizens more than any other innovation by providing them with the means to become better educated, better informed, more productive, and more diversely entertained. The City seeks to effectively use advanced telecommunications to benefit all residents by advocating implementation in schools and government, in community-based and health-care organizations, and in all businesses and industries in Sunnyvale.

Telecommunications technologies offer new opportunities for citizens and businesses alike and have already made significant impacts in education and health care. Students now participate in distance learning and collaborate on projects with other students from around the world. Health education and information are being disseminated electronically. Telecommunications continues to play a significant role in expansion of these services as well as implementation of future services.

The expanding use of telecommunications also creates opportunities for bringing many groups increased economic and social benefits. Closer links between education and business will benefit youth regardless of race, national origin, disability or income by encouraging development of skills necessary for today's workforce and promoting lifelong learning for all citizens. The City recognizes the needs of special groups, such as minorities, the economically disadvantaged, the elderly, and persons with disabilities and strives to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to share in the benefits of advanced telecommunications.

Finally, telecommunications has the potential to positively impact the quality of life for Sunnyvale citizens by enhancing public safety. Advances in telecommunications enable rapid, effective and efficient police, fire and emergency response and will continue to impact these services as new technologies emerge.

Criteria for Implementation of Telecommunications for City Use

The City's growing use of telecommunications to provide public services and information has thus far not resulted in significant fiscal impacts, although the City has not aggressively pursued the full range of telecommunications possibilities to this point. However, emerging trends indicate that the City will ultimately see an increasing number of citizens and businesses who will request City information and services in amounts, formats and at times not presently offered. These trends will present increased opportunities for the City to improve customer service, increase staff productivity, and encourage enhanced communication among residents and with local government.

The long-term telecommunications goal for the City as provider of public services is to provide citizens with a method of communicating and doing business with the City that is most convenient and effective to meet their needs. On the other hand, criteria is required to guide the decision-making process on the implementation of telecommunications in order to minimize any negative impacts.

In determining whether and when to implement any telecommunications technology, the City will consider the following questions:

1. Will it improve customer service and enhance staff productivity?

2. Is it cost-effective to implement and maintain?

3. What overall effect will it have on operating costs?

4. How will it impact the current capability to provide services and information in traditional formats?

5. What is the overall impact on different sectors of the community?

6. As demand for information and services increases, will sufficient resources be available to meet customer expectations?

7. Will it enhance citizen and City interaction?

8. Will it be accessible to all residents, public agencies and businesses?

The use of these questions as criteria in the decision-making process must be supplemented by rational judgments of the degree of benefit in relation to the costs and other factors and will ensure consistency in evaluation of potential uses of telecommunications.

THE CITY AS FACILITATOR

"Cities are natural laboratories for technological innovation, and policies to encourage new uses of technology at the local level are essential...Most important, the challenge of telecommunications lies in the need to recognize the relationship between technology and the fundamental elements of urban infrastructure: transportation systems for the movement of people, urban amenities that foster civic and cultural life, and real development that accommodates advanced business services.."

-- "Telecommunications and Urban Economic Development," Mitchell L. Ross

As a facilitator, the City is currently faced with one final question presented by advanced telecommunications technologies. This question considers telecommunication applications and the development of a telecommunications infrastructure to enhance the economic vitality of Sunnyvale.

Economic Vitality

Historically, the development and growth of cities has been contingent upon a public infrastructure designed to physically move people and/or goods. The presence or lack of this infrastructure continues to be a direct contributing factor in the attractiveness of individual locations for economic activities. With a rise in information-intensive activities in both the manufacturing and service sectors, the ability to move information in, through and out of cities has become an increasingly important contributing factor in attracting and retaining businesses and individuals to ensure a community's future economic growth and well-being.

Advances in technology are creating simultaneous opportunities in the private sector for both centralizing and decentralizing economic activities. Telecommunications has made it possible for companies to coordinate control of a wide range of activities from a single location. Telecommunications also enables decentralization of activities by allowing companies to move specific functions to locations that offer easier access to a quality workforce, raw materials or major markets.

Recently, there has been a marked increase in the use of telecommunications by the rapidly growing information-intensive sectors of the economy such as business and financial services, advertising, and management consulting. As a result, the use of telecommunications in office activities, in the design of office buildings and in the regional, national and global operations of private sector organizations continues to rise. As a facilitator of telecommunications services, the City should focus on linking the use of telecommunication to its economic development activities by undertaking actions to encourage the development of teleports and high-tech office centers, to attract information-intensive firms and activities to Sunnyvale, and to use telecommunications in the provision of public services that directly affect economic development.

The growing use of telecommunications is generating a demand for infrastructure and office buildings designed to serve the needs of information-intensive companies. "Smart buildings" are office buildings constructed with telecommunications wiring built-in. Teleports consist of telecommunications equipment linked to satellites and local networks with access through a regional distribution system. The availability of these office buildings and teleports stimulates real estate development by attracting new businesses that require sophisticated telecommunications capabilities.

The presence of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure enhances telecommuting capabilities for businesses and industries. Telecommuting enables employees to be located at a site removed from the actual company location and impacts the community in numerous areas such as: commuting, environmental concerns, and employee recruitment over a wider geographic location. The availability of a infrastructure capable of supporting and advancing telecommuting will be a factor in maintaining and attracting businesses to Sunnyvale.

The City will seek to use telecommunications as a conscious element of economic development strategy to retain current businesses and to attract new businesses. Placing more public information on-line and enabling the provision of public services via telecommunications will impact the perception of Sunnyvale as a "user friendly" city for businesses and industries as well as for citizens. For example, information about geographics, utilities, business licenses, and building and sewer discharge permits would enable faster research by staff. The City will also be able to market its location and customer service advantages to locations throughout the country and the world.

The development of teleports, high-tech office buildings, and on-line public services may be elements of an economic development strategy to encourage and retain information-intensive activities and businesses. With the anticipated growth in telecommunications services and its use by business, the presence of these information-intensive activities and businesses will be a critical aspect of the community's economic well being into the next century.

The Telecommunications Infrastructure

The City recognizes the importance of telecommunications for economic development. A modern, efficient telecommunications system will increase the productivity and competitiveness of citizens and businesses as well as attract new development to Sunnyvale. The City can assist by expanding the capabilities of Sunnyvale's telecommunications infrastructure through wider deployment of broadband and digital capabilities, and encouraging increased competition.

Preliminary research indicates that the City's current telecommunications infrastructure is adequate for existing needs and compares favorably with those of other cities. However, two important challenges currently face the City: to ensure that the telecommunications infrastructure continues to provide businesses and industries with a competitive advantage, and to ensure that state-of-the-art telecommunications are available throughout Sunnyvale. The City's economic future rests with attracting and maintaining businesses that are competitive in world markets; therefore the telecommunications infrastructure must be capable of serving business needs as well as diverse community needs.

It is critical that the local telecommunications network evolve into an open, competitive and interconnected infrastructure with a variety of service providers offering the ability for all citizens and businesses to fully access and benefit from the technology. Policy objectives to promote creation of an effective telecommunications infrastructure in Sunnyvale include: adherence to industry technical standards for fair and open interconnection, the provision of appropriate private sector investment incentives, and the removal of entry barriers.

Existing coaxial and fiber optic networks in Sunnyvale will continue to play an important role in the future telecommunications infrastructure. These existing networks include those installed by the cable company (TCI), telephone companies (Pacific Bell and alternate providers), utilities (PG&E) in addition to various private companies and are being expanded by the emerging wireless network (Metricom). Thus, the creation of a cost-effective, reliable broadband interactive digital network must include interconnection between the existing networks as well as interconnection capability for future technologies. The interconnection of existing networks used as the starting point will enable expansion of the infrastructure at a more affordable cost.

The City promotes maximizing choices for citizens and businesses regarding the reception and dissemination of information by ensuring the capability of the user to originate, find, and access information anywhere on the network. Common carriers must be precluded from interfering with or restricting the flow of information over their networks. Common carrier rules obligate a provider to carry and deliver to its intended destination any information traffic tendered without discrimination based on the source or content of the traffic. The City advocates that telecommunications providers be required to maintain open networks by adhering to common carrier obligations.

The City will seek to gain equity in the telecommunications infrastructure for City services and public safety operations for residents and businesses by considering any opportunity to negotiate such equity as an aspect of a City-wide telecommunications infrastructure. This would be accomplished by allowing private investors to install on public property in return for no cost or low-cost access to the infrastructure as compensation in lieu of full or partial encroachment fees. The City may also negotiate such access for schools and non-profit agencies.

The City will undertake actions designed to identify determining factors in private sector investment in a telecommunications infrastructure in order to attract that investment to Sunnyvale and link it to its overall economic development strategy. Additionally, the City advocates joint ventures with the private sector, as well as other public sector agencies. Long-term and short-term joint venture opportunities will increase as the telecommunications marketplace continues to develop and will offer benefits to all parties. In seeking and evaluating potential partnerships, the City will be guided by the potential for cost savings, improvement of municipal services, and the enhancement of the economic vitality of Sunnyvale.

Currently, the City is participating with nine other Santa Clara County cities in a partnership formed to negotiate with Pacific Bell to develop a model agreement that permits the company to rebuild its infrastructure in the county to enable video and data services in conjunction with the voice services it currently provides. The collective negotiation effort allowed each of the cities to gain benefits that may not have been attained in single efforts.

Opportunities exist to form partnerships to facilitate the creation of a telecommunications infrastructure, whether with private industries or other public agencies and will allow the City to leverage its resources to increase its rate of beneficial return. In seeking and accepting opportunities for cooperation and partnerships, the City will evaluate the potential for cost reduction and improvement of municipal services as well as any potential risks to public property or services.

The pace at which new technologies are deployed depends on costs, corporate strategies, consumer needs, the mastery of new skills by users, and public policies. Ideas in the laboratory today may be vital elements of tomorrow's network while others many never find profitable application. The City supports further disbursement of current technologies throughout the city for wider application and benefit for citizens and businesses alike. With the rapid pace of technological advancements continuing and competition increasing throughout the world, the City's telecommunications policy will ensure that Sunnyvale's telecommunication infrastructure continues to provide state-of-the-art telecommunications services in the future.

Fiscal Impact

While the growing use of telecommunications by businesses and consumers may provide many positive benefits for the City, the potential exists for negative results. One area of concern is the potential for decreased revenues for the City, such as a potential decline in sales tax revenue. Services such as home shopping channels and on-line shopping via the Internet may contribute to a negative impact on revenue generation as retail space is displaced by increased use of these services.

To offset the potential for any significant fiscal impact, the City will be proactive in pursuing alternate sources of revenue in general and specifically explore opportunities to increase revenues generated as a result of telecommunications. The City will advocate for legislation that identifies telecommunications revenue sources for local governments. The City will also advocate the pursuit of alternate revenue sources to offset any potential revenue loss, such as a decline in sales tax revenue.

One opportunity to explore for increased telecommunications revenues may be ownership of the telecommunications infrastructure by the City. In this scenario, the City would own the "pipes" and in turn lease transmission space to all service providers at either competitive market rates or below market rates in exchange for services, thereby creating a tremendous sustained revenue source. Companies currently exist that will install, maintain and manage a City-owned telecommunications infrastructure in return for a percentage of the revenue.

The ability of local governments to depend on traditional sources of revenue is an area of growing concern. As the use of telecommunications changes the interaction between businesses and consumers, local governments must redefine the way business is conducted and find new methods for revenue enhancement.

CONCLUSION

Making Government Work Better

California is faced with the most difficult economic challenges in decades. The state, the nation and the world are gripped by persistent unemployment, shifts in global resource use, and massive cultural changes. Local governments, like private businesses, will be severely stressed in this period of upheaval. Meeting the challenges presented by these changes will require profound revisions in the operating methods of local governments.

Increased use of telecommunications and information technology is an essential element of withstanding the negative effects of the current economical and social transformation. As with the private sector, the public sector must change the way it works, particularly with regard to cost-efficient sharing of information and resources through telecommunications. Just as the private sector is moving to an open network infrastructure, so must the public sector.

Through aggregate purchasing power and joint ventures and partnerships, local governments can reduce the telecommunications costs of its operations, improve its delivery of public services, and help shape the future of the telecommunications infrastructure. The City's telecommunications systems will speed departmental interaction and the processing of data and improve delivery of services to the public as a result. Demand for more integrated services is increasing at the same time citizens are calling for a more efficient government. By combining and reducing the costs of City services, a coordinated telecommunications policy can satisfy both objectives.

The policy framework developed by the City reflects an understanding of the increasingly critical role of telecommunications in the long-term economic and social development of Sunnyvale. The policy also reflects a commitment to use current and emerging telecommunications technologies to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of Sunnyvale and its citizens, as well as to enhance provision of public services and public information. The City will therefore strive to encourage the creation of a strategic telecommunications infrastructure to facilitate these economic and social developments.

The immediate benefit of the telecommunications policy is to provide a dynamic document to guide the City in its actions and decisions in a period of rapid technological change while keeping sight of the vision of telecommunications benefits for its citizens and businesses. The City believes that the stated goals of the telecommunications policy will offer sound guidance over the next three-to-five years as telecommunications technologies stabilize. Once the technologies have stabilized, the City will be in a position to develop more concrete long-term goals.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS GLOSSARY

Analog signal is a continuous signal that varies in voltage to reflect variations in some quantity, such as loudness of the human voice.

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is a broad-bandwidth, low delay packet switching and multiplexing technology designed to transmit almost all forms of digital communications without cell delivery delays.

Bandwidth is the range between the lowest and the highest frequencies of a channel.

Broadband is a communications channel having a bandwidth broader than that of a voice-grade channel, thereby providing high-speed data transmission capability.

Cellular Service is a wireless transmission technology that uses a grid of antennae (cell sites) to send and receive signals from mobile telephones. The antennae hand off signals as the user travels between cell sites, enabling the same frequency, or channel, to be used by many callers at once.

Coaxial cable is a cable consisting of one or more hollow cylinders with a single wire running down the center of each cylinder. It can carry a much higher bandwidth than a wire pair.

Common carrier is an organization in the business of providing communications services to the public, and which is subject to regulation by the appropriate state or federal agency.

Data is digitally represented information, which includes voice, text, facsimile, and video.

Data communications is the movement of coded information by means of electrical transmissions systems.

Digital compression allows large amounts of digital information to be squeezed into a single conduit such as twisted pair or coaxial cables, allowing video images to be transported in the same amount of space that previously could carry only voice.

Digital signal is a nominally discontinuous electrical signal that changes from one state or another to another in discrete steps.

Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) is a satellite system with sufficient power to allow small earth stations to be used to receive compressed video signals.

Distance learning is learning at home through the use of videotex systems.

Distributed processing is the processing of data at remotely located sites using communication lines to interconnect computers or microcomputers or intelligent terminals with the central computer.

Facsimile (FAX) is the process of transmitting text, pictures, diagrams, etc. via a telecommunication system to a remote location where hard copy of the transmitted material is reproduced.

Fiber optics are hair-thin filaments of transparent glass or plastic that use light instead of electricity to transmit voice, video, or data signals.

Frame relay is a form of fast packet switching that supplies 10 times the packet throughput of older X.25 networks, but is primarily data-oriented and not designed for voice or video applications.

Frequency division multiplexing is one of two basic multiplexing techniques, in which the channel frequency range is divided into narrower frequency bands. See also time division multiplexing.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is an international concept whose objective is a digital public network. When in place, a totally digital network will extend from the user's terminal to the user's destination for the transmission of voice, data, and video information.

Intelligent terminal is a terminal that contains a processing unit and can perform data processing and storage functions.

Interactive system is a real-time communication system that provides immediate, two-way communication between terminals and a computer, processing transactions as they occur.

Interconnect equipment is the equipment at each end of a communication channel.

Local Area Network (LAN) is a configuration of telecommunications facilities designed to provide internal communications within a limited geographical area.

Microcomputers are the smallest general-purpose computer.

Microwave radio is line-of-sight radio transmission using very short wavelengths, corresponding to a frequency of 1,000 megahertz or greater.

Modem is an electronic device used for converting digital signals into analog signals for transmission and reconverting the analog signal into digital signals.

Multiplexer is a device that combines a number of low-speed channels into one higher speed channel at one end of a transmission system and divides it back into low-speed channels at the other.

Multiplexing is the use of a common channel to make two or more channels, either by splitting the frequency band transmitted by the common channel into narrower bands, each of which is used to constitute a distinct channel, or by allotting this common channel to multiple users in turn, to constitute different intermittent channels.

Network is a series of points, nodes, or stations connected by communication channels.

Network access is the capability of interconnection with a network.

Node is a terminal of any branch of a network or a terminal common to two or more branches of a network.

Off-line is the condition where devices or subsystems are not connected into, do not form any part of, and are not subject to the same controls as an operation system. These devices may, however, be operated independently.

On-line is the condition where devices or subsystems are connected into, form a part of, and are subject to the same controls as an operational system.

Packet is a sequence of data, with associated control information that is switched and transmitted as a whole.

Packet switching is a data transmission technique whereby user information is segmented and routed in discrete data envelopes called packets, each with its own appended control information for routing, sequencing, and error checking; allows a communication channel to be shared by many users, each using the circuit only for the time required to transmit a single packet.

Private network is a configuration of private lines and related switching facilities that are provided for the exclusive use of one customer.

Protocol is the rules for communication system operation that must be followed if communication is to be effective.

Regulation is a rule or order having the force of law, issued by an executive authority of a government.

Regulatory agency is an agency, such as local, state or federal government, with the legal power to control.

Satellite communications is the use of orbiting satellites to relay transmissions from one earth station to one or more other earth stations.

Satellite relay is an active or passive satellite repeater that relays signals between two earth terminals.

Standard is a benchmark or point of reference against which performance can be compared; also an agreed-to specification for equipment and circuit design.

Switching is the process of transferring a connection from one telephone circuit to another by interconnecting the two circuits.

Synchronization is the process of determining and maintaining the correct timing for transmitting and receiving information.

Synchronous transmission is data communications in which characters or bits are sent at a fixed rate; the rate is maintained by electronic clocking devices at both the transmitting and receiving ends of the circuit.

T-1 Service is a time division multiplexed digital transmission system that provides 24 voice-grade digital channels on one pair of copper wires.

Telecommunications is any transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writing, images, and sounds or information of any nature by wire, radio, visual, or the electromagnetic system.

Telecommunications Infrastructure is the cables, switches, radio towers, and other facilities and equipment that are required to make telecommunications work.

Telecommuting is use of a computer system in the home that allows an employee to communicate with the office without actually traveling to and from work.

Teleconferencing is a conference between persons remote from one another but linked by a telecommunications system.

Telemetry is the process of reading utility meters via telecommunications.

Telephony is the science and practice of transmitting speech or other sounds over relatively large distances.

Teleport is a collection of earth stations oriented to carry telecommunications to and from communication satellites. Usually it has transmission facilities connecting directly to the end-user, thereby bypassing the local exchange carrier.

Teleprocessing is the overall function of an information transmission system that combines telecommunication, automatic data processing, and human-machine interface equipment and their interaction as an integrated whole.

Teleshopping is shopping at home through the use of personal computers or videotext terminals.

Terminal is a point in the network at which data can either enter or leave; a device, usually equipped with a keyboard, often with a display, capable of sending and receiving data over a communications link.

Time division multiplexing is one of two basic multiplexing techniques, in which the channel frequency is assigned successively to several users at different times. See also frequency division multiplexing.

Transmission is the dispatching of a signal, message, or other form of intelligence by wire, radio, telegraphy, telephony, facsimile, or other means.

Videotex is an interactive communications application that allows users to converse with a remote database, enter data for transactions, and retrieve textual and graphics information for display on subscriber's television set or microprocessor screen.

Virtual network is a carrier-provided service in which the public switched network provides capabilities similar to those of private lines, such as conditioning, error testing, and higher-speed, full duplex, four-wire transmission with a line quality adequate for data.

Voice identification is a technology used to verify the identity of a person accessing a system by comparing spoken passwords with computerized voice patterns.

Voice mail is an advanced form of telephone answering service that permits a caller to send a one-way spoken message to a service user; the message is stored in the voice message equipment for retrieval by the intended recipient.

GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTION STATEMENTS

GOAL A: RETAIN CONTROL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY WITHIN THE CONFINES OF STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO REGULATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROVIDED TO SUNNYVALE CITIZENS.

POLICY A.1. Promote retention of the City's regulatory role in telecommunications.

Action Statements:

A.1.a. Maintain control of use of local public rights-of-way for telecommunications purposes.

A.1.b. Exercise local franchising authority related to provision of telecommunications services.

A.1.c. Monitor state and federal telecommunications regulatory activities and communicate the City's views and concerns through formal and informal channels.

A.1.d. Advocate for the reinstatement of local regulatory authority in the event of loss of effective competition.

A.1.e. Support retention of local zoning authority for cellular towers, satellite dish antennas, and other telecommunications equipment, facilities, and structures.

POLICY A.2. Advocate symmetrical regulation for all Sunnyvale telecommunications service providers.

Action Statements:

A.2.a. Promote use of regulatory oversight to restrain monopolistic practices.

A.2.b. Establish fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms and fees for use of Sunnyvale's public rights-of-way for commercial enterprises.

A.2.c. Promote delivery of community-oriented services to Sunnyvale citizens by stipulating a reasonable percentage of each system be dedicated to the delivery of such services.

POLICY A.3. Encourage high quality service and service standards for all telecommunications providers.

Action Statements:

A.3.a. Establish service standards within the confines of state and federal legislation and evaluate services to ensure continued high quality customer service and affordable contemporary technology.

A.3.b. Advocate Sunnyvale voice telecommunications carriers to provide access to local 911 emergency services at no charge.

A.3.c. Advocate Sunnyvale telecommunications carriers provide access to a voice/non-voice relay services at no charge beyond normal usage charges to all Sunnyvale citizens.

POLICY A.4. Advocate for privacy laws and security standards at the state and federal levels which protect Sunnyvale telecommunications users.

Action Statements:

A.4.a. Advocate the establishment of transaction security for financial and personal transactions.

A.4.b. Advocate for confidentiality guarantees of all user information unless otherwise consented to by the user, including access information.

A.4.c. Encourage telecommunications providers to educate City users about the implications of privacy and information security issues.

A.4.d. Advocate the implementation of a "digital signature" standard that reliably identifies the sender and recipient of electronic transactions.

A.4.e. Support the implementation, where feasible and appropriate, of established technical standards for authenticity of City documents and information.

GOAL B: PROMOTE UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES FOR ALL SUNNYVALE CITIZENS.

POLICY B.1. Promote universal service and access for every Sunnyvale citizen.

Action Statements:

B.1.a. Support equitable access to public information for all Sunnyvale citizens.

B.1.b. Support affordable pricing for basic telecommunications services for all consumers.

B.1.c. Advocate that the introduction of advanced telecommunications services do not adversely impact basic service rates.

B.1.d. Recognize telecommunications needs of special groups, such as the economically disadvantaged, non-English speakers, minorities, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

B.1.e. Advocate that all Sunnyvale telecommunications service providers equitably share the responsibility and the costs for maintaining universal service.

B.1.f. Advocate that the definition of basic universal service be expanded as new services become essential to participation in the social and economic mainstream.

POLICY B.2. Promote the opportunity for Sunnyvale citizens to acquire the appropriate skills to participate in a technologically advanced society.

Action Statements:

B.2.a. Encourage Sunnyvale schools to develop programs that help students acquire appropriate telecommunications skills.

B.2.b. Promote life-long learning through the use of telecommunications.

B.2.c. Facilitate technical training and telecommunications access for all Sunnyvale citizens.

GOAL C: USE TELECOMMUNICATIONS TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES PROVIDED TO SUNNYVALE CITIZENS.

POLICY C.1. Use telecommunications to provide public information to Sunnyvale citizens, businesses, industries and schools.

Action Statements:

C.1.a. Ensure that appropriate printed public information currently available to Sunnyvale citizens will remain free of charge in electronic form.

C.1.b. Ensure that essential telecommunications services are available on demand for the public interest.

C.1.c. Support easy public access to public information to the widest extent possible.

POLICY C.2. Use telecommunications to improve the City's efficiency and delivery of public services while reducing operating costs.

Action Statements:

C.2.a. Enhance Sunnyvale's ability to share public information through appropriate implementation of telecommunications technologies.

C.2.b. Explore the potential use of telecommuting by City staff where appropriate and economically feasible.

C.2.c. Consider projects which link the public with City staff and services including: on-line access to staff reports, electronic access to building codes and permit applications, and City statistics.

C.2.d. Use telecommunications technology to enhance emergency services and coordinate emergency preparedness information to the citizens.

POLICY C.3. Use telecommunications to enhance the lives of Sunnyvale citizens.

Action Statements:

C.3.a. Support the use of telecommunications services to protect the property and lives of citizens.

C.3.b. Encourage the use of advanced telecommunications systems which support community-oriented information dissemination, library services, and educational services.

C.3.c. Encourage the use of advanced telecommunications systems to enhance the lives of Sunnyvale citizens through individual choices, better recreational activities, and other community services.

C.3.d. Promote the use of telecommunications technology to deliver learning services and resources beyond the classroom and library to Sunnyvale homes, organizations, and businesses.

C.3.e. Use telecommunications technology to enhance rather than preclude personal interactions.

GOAL D: PROMOTE USE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, WHERE APPROPRIATE AND WITHIN THE SCOPE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES, TO ENHANCE THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF SUNNYVALE.

POLICY D.1. Encourage Sunnyvale businesses and industries in leveraging telecommunications technologies to remain competitive.

Action Statements:

D.1.a. Encourage Sunnyvale businesses to use telecommunications to achieve greater economic competitiveness.

D.1.b. Where appropriate, recommend changes to City ordinances, requirements, or procedures to enable telecommunications technology advances.

D.1.c. Market telecommunications services to encourage relocation and retention of businesses in Sunnyvale.

D.1.d. Promote development of telecommunications-based applications for teaching, learning, training, and retraining Sunnyvale's workforce.

D.1.e. Seek the attraction of information-intensive businesses and point-of-sale operations in order to diversify the City's economic base and City revenues.

POLICY D.2. Encourage Sunnyvale businesses and industries in conducting business with anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Action Statements:

D.2.a. Support telecommunications research and innovation, where appropriate, in business and government.

D.2.b. Encourage State authorities to explore development of construction requirements which include built-in telecommunications features.

POLICY D.3. Advocate legislation that identifies telecommunications revenue sources for local governments.

Action Statements:

D.3.a. Advocate the pursuit of alternate revenue sources to offset any potential revenue loss from the use of telecommunications, such as diminished sales taxes.

D.3.b. Explore opportunities to increase telecommunications revenues.

GOAL E: FACILITATE THE CREATION OF AN ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE, WITHIN GIVEN RESOURCES, FOR SUNNYVALE CITIZENS, BUSINESSES, AND INDUSTRIES.

POLICY E.1. Advocate that the Sunnyvale telecommunications infrastructure is a reliable broadband interactive digital network that will provide advanced telecommunications services for its citizens, businesses, industries and schools.

Action Statements:

E.1.a. Promote creation of a broadband, high-speed digital infrastructure available to all Sunnyvale citizens, businesses, industries, schools and agencies.

E.1.b. Encourage development of telecommunications infrastructure and investments to expand telecommunications services available in Sunnyvale.

E.1.c. Use interoperable open standards for the City's governmental telecommunications equipment and services.

E.1.d. Promote interoperability, efficient interconnection, and adherence to open industry standards for all elements to facilitate City-wide connectivity.

POLICY E.2. Promote interconnection and common carrier collaboration among Sunnyvale telecommunications providers and the City.

Action Statements:

E.2.a. Encourage infrastructure joint ventures to maximize the value of telecommunications information to consumers.

E.2.b. Advocate fair and equitable consumer billing practices among multi-carrier providers.

E.2.c. Promote the concept of a single address for each user, when economically and technically feasible, regardless of location or service provider.

E.2.d. Support coordination of a shared common grid of telecommunications systems for education, health care, public agencies, social services, justice and economic development.

E.2.e. Seek opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with the private sector to obtain equity in the telecommunications infrastructure to reduce City costs and improve municipal services.

Policy E.3. Promote a telecommunication system designed to stimulate competition and innovation.

Action Statements:

E.3.a. Encourage fair, open competition among telecommunications service providers to increase the quality and variety of services.

E.3.b. Promote provision of an open platform for innovation by local content and services providers.