Policy A-6

Support Development, Expansion and Application of Modern Communications Technology.
As a rural area, the cost of improving the regions communications infrastructure can potentially result in Mariposa falling behind other more developed areas of the region. Modern business and industrial growth in Mariposa will necessarily be driven by the availability of adequate modern telecommunications infrastructure. The Mariposa County EDC sees Yosemite National Park as a potential vehicle by which infrastructure improvements may be given higher priority.

The EDC also recognizes that infrastructure is developed and financed in response to demand. The county must have a potential base of users of modern telecommunications infrastructure before it will be economically feasible to upgrade our telecommunications systems. In this regard, the Mariposa County EDC can provide a unique linkage between telecommunications service suppliers and their potential market.

Quantifiable Objective: By the Year 2000, the Mariposa County EDC’s objective is to:
1. To maintain a telecommunications service in the county at a level of sophistication and cost comparable to neighboring metropolitan areas of the region.
2. To provide every resident of Mariposa County with access to to modern telecommunications resources.

Implementing Programs & Actions
A-6a In cooperation with various telecommunications service providers, work to extend broad band width telecommunications service throughout the County.
Communications band width defines capacity and capability telecommunications infrastructure. Use and utilization of some forms of technology depend on the availability of telephone infrastructure which has the capacity to exchange large amounts of information at high speeds. The costs of extending this capability into rural areas of this county may be partially offset by dispersing large high volume information using industries throughout the County as part of the County’s Business Park or Industrial Campus development efforts. The Mariposa County EDC can facilitate the development of this infrastructure system by advocating appropriate development policies and promoting industrial development throughout the county.

A-6b Review County development regulations to assure that modern communications technology can be developed in a timely and cost effective manner throughout the County.
Development of modern communications systems rely on a vast array of structures and facilities which may conflict with other community environmental goals. As an example, establishment of microwave and cellular towers, switching facilities, cables, satellite dishes, and other components of a modern communications system often need to be highly visible in areas which contain valuable visual resources. The Mariposa County EDC can assist local telecommunications industry representatives in working cooperatively with local community groups and public officials in the design and development of facilities which minimize adverse impacts while providing or extending cost effective service to the community.

A-6c Support local computer user groups and other types of technologically oriented organizations in efforts to promote the use of modern telecommunications technology in business and the home.
Local technology-based clubs and organizations can provide an important community resource to business, government and individuals on the use and application of modern technology. The Mariposa County EDC should work and support the efforts of these organizations to promote the use of technology in our community.

A-6d In cooperation with government and local educational institutions, educate people on the use and application of modern telecommunications resources.
Effective use of telecommunications technology requires that people throughout the community become familiar with its use and potential application. One important element in promoting the use of telecommunications resources is to establish a system such as a community electronic bulletin board system for use by residents throughout the county. The EDC may organize a Technology Fair which would promote the image of the county as a technologically sophisticated area and improve access for local residents to modern technology. The Mariposa EDC should work closely with private and public efforts to establish local telecommunication resources.
(Note: The County is presently served by the Sierra Telephone sponsored Distance Learning/Community Network.)