Improving Broadband Access: Affordable, Quality Service for the Tiburon Peninsula

The residents of the Tiburon Peninsula deserve competitive broadband pricing and reliable service. Addressing these needs requires a combination of short-term and long-term strategies to ensure equitable access and the latest technology.

Proposed Actions

Short/Medium Term: Immediate Solutions

1. Engage with Xfinity to Address Pricing and Service Quality:
   • Goal: Work with Xfinity to address concerns over discriminatory and monopolistic pricing practices. If necessary, involve state regulators to ensure fair pricing for all residents.
   • Actions: Collaborate with Xfinity to monitor and improve service reliability. Ensure access to the latest high-speed services, such as the planned rollout of DOCSIS 4.0 technology in 2024/2025, which promises enhanced speeds and network efficiency.

Long Term: Infrastructure Investment and Expansion

2. Explore Feasibility of a Fiber Optic Backbone:
   • Goal: Investigate the practicality, cost-effectiveness, and potential benefits of installing a fiber optic backbone along Tiburon Boulevard.
   • Actions: Conduct feasibility studies using independent consultants and explore partnerships with CalTrans. Determine how this backbone can be efficiently connected to individual households, either directly or through innovative technologies.

Overview of the Current Situation
The Tiburon Peninsula is primarily served by a single broadband provider, Xfinity, which uses existing coaxial cable infrastructure originally designed for cable TV. This limits its ability to meet modern broadband demands. Major competitors like AT&T and Verizon have not invested in laying fiber optic cables due to low return on investment and logistical challenges. As a result, Tiburon faces higher prices and inconsistent service, unlike neighboring areas in Marin that benefit from more competition.

Future Connectivity Options 
The Town of Tiburon is exploring a partnership with CalTrans to install a fiber optic backbone along Tiburon Boulevard. This could improve connectivity and encourage competition. Currently, the most practical way to connect homes to a fiber backbone is through cell towers transmitting 5G signals. Although these are within FCC safety limits, there are health concerns and likely opposition to placing multiple towers in residential areas.

Evolving Technologies and Long-Term Solutions
While broadband technology is evolving, offering potential for future competition, Tiburon must focus on immediate solutions. Ensuring fair pricing and reliable service from Xfinity is essential to meet residents' needs now.

Conclusion
Improving broadband access in Tiburon requires both short-term engagement with service providers and long-term infrastructure planning. By addressing immediate concerns and exploring sustainable future solutions, the community can work towards affordable, reliable, and high-quality broadband for all residents.

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