HILTON HEAD ISLAND TECHNOLOGY ACTION PLANHilton Head Island Information Technology TaskforceHHIITT_90d0da7c-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecdTown of Hilton Head IslandThe Town of Hilton Head Island is located on a barrier island off of the most southeastern coastof Beaufort County, South Carolina. The island was developed, beginning with Sea Pines in the1950s, with large, master-planned communities that had strict design requirements designed toemphasize the natural beauty of the island, such as its massive live oak trees. The island hasover 12 miles of sandy dune and beachfront area and there are over forty Championship-levelgolf courses, sixty miles of biking and leisure trails and 300 tennis courts. All of these things, aswell as the rich history and cultural activities, have helped to make the Island a very popularresort and retirement destination. Each year, there are an estimated 2.5 million visitors to theIsland; however, the size of the Island’s year-round population is only around 40,000 people.(According to 2013 U.S. Census data, Hilton Head Island had a population of 39,412, people andan 8.1% poverty rate, or 3,192 people having incomes below poverty level, which will be usedas the basis for the calculations of this assessment.) Jim CollettChairman, Information Technology Task ForceStu RodmanCounty CouncilAl BischoffKathy EwellBill JordanBill SchmittDick SellJoe BakerJohn LundinPaul McMenaminEducation SubgroupDr. Jeffery MossRoss HendricksChristine RobinsonTina Webb-BrowingMaryann BastnagelAbi FidlerGovernment SubgroupJohn TuttleTom FultzShea FarrarCommunity ChampionEd BoringTechnology CompaniesBelow is a list of local technology companies that are providing technical services or distributing/selling technical resources. Riedel Computer Services, Inc.www.riedelcomputers.com Computer DealerHHI Computer Guyswww.hhicomputerguys.com Computer ServicesInfinity, Inc.www.savannahnetworking.com Computer ServicesLowcountry Computer Guy, LLCwww.lowcountrycomputerguy.com Computer ServicesPCSAVED.COMwww.pcsaved.com Computer ServicesSchooley Mitchell Telecom Consultantswww.schooleymitchell.com Telecom ConsultingUrngewww.urngecom Web DevelopmentSourcecode, LLCwww.sourcecode-llc.com Software Development7com7 Marketing and Mediawww.bloftoncom.com Web DevelopmentProgressive Technologywww.progressivetechnology.com Computer ServicesConnexxuswww.connexxususa.com Computer System Design/ConsultingInspired Tech Solutionswww.itshhi.com Computer System Design/ConsultingAsk Dr. Johnhttp://askdrjohn.com Telecom ConsultingCONNECT SOUTH CAROLINACSC_90d0dc52-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecdConnect South Carolina, in partnership with the State of South Carolina Office of the Governor,supports the state’s reinvention and technological transformation through innovation, jobcreation, and entrepreneurship via the expansion of broadband technology and increasedusage by South Carolina residents. In 2009, Connect South Carolina partnered with the state ofSouth Carolina to engage in a comprehensive broadband planning and technology initiative aspart of the national effort to map and expand broadband. The program began by gatheringprovider data to form a statewide broadband map, and has progressed to the planning anddevelopment stage. At this point the program is expanding to include community engagementin local technology planning, identification of opportunities with existing programs, andimplementation of technology projects designed to address digital literacy, improve education,give residents access to global Internet resources, and stimulate economic development.http://www.connectsc.orgConnected NationConnected Nation (Connect South Carolina’s parent organization) is a leading technologyorganization committed to bringing affordable high-speed Internet and broadband-enabledresources to all Americans. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value ofbroadband and related technologies by developing coalitions of influencers and enablers forimproving technology access, adoption, and use. Connected Nation works with consumers,community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations, including the Bill & MelindaGates Foundation, to develop and implement technology expansion programs with corecompetencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and placespreviously underserved or overlooked.http://www.connectednation.orgNational Telecommunications and Information AdministrationNational Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is an agency of theUnited States Department of Commerce that is serving as the lead agency in running the StateBroadband Initiative (SBI). Launched in 2009, NTIA’s State Broadband Initiative implements thejoint purposes of the Recovery Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act, whichenvisioned a comprehensive program, led by state entities or non-profit organizations workingat their direction, to facilitate the integration of broadband and information technology intostate and local economies. Economic development, energy efficiency, and advances ineducation and healthcare rely not only on broadband infrastructure, but also on the knowledgeand tools to leverage that infrastructure._90d0dd60-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecdTo outline projects to allow the community to continue its recognized excellence in technology and broadband planning across the community. _90d0dfe0-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecdDigital LearningProvide greater access to broadband to enable digital learning._90d0e12a-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd1StudentsProvide Improved Access to Broadband for Students (Local Submission) -- Support the deployment of broadband technology in the community, especially for students, bymaking access to broadband available at public computer centers at the times needed. Forexample, the public computer hours at the public library are expanded to accommodatebroadband access for students to complete their lessons in the evening.Benefits:1. Provides broadband access to more computers with greater coverage.2. Supports school-wide online education initiatives.3. Enables access to e-books and other Internet content and services.Computer AccessTarget locations for public computer access to improve and better coordinate with user needs._90d0e436-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd1.1Locations & TimesResearch grants and other opportunities to make additional hours, locations or times available if needed. _90d0e558-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd1.2InternetHave gigabit Internet service to promote Hilton Head Island as a “Connected Island.”_90d0e652-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd2Perform a Pilot Project for 1 Gig Service (Local Submission) -- Establish pilot projects with service providers for gigabit Internet service to commercial andresidential customers.Benefits:1. Promotes faster than average broadband access to prospective and current businesses andresidents.2. Fast-tracks higher speed Internet access from local Internet service providers.TrialWork with providers to identify target projects and develop a trial business model for deployment of fiber to the home or business with a minimum of 1 Gig speeds._90d0e756-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd2.1ParticipationSurvey potential subscribers to determine level of participation._90d0e8c8-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd2.2ExpansionExecute project and evaluate potential for expanding to larger area._90d0e9fe-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd2.3BroadbandFund and enable broadband network deployment._90d0eb2a-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd3Broadband ProvidersHargray Telephonewww.hargray.com Cable, DSL, FiberTime Warner Cablewww.gettimewarnercable.com CableAT&T Mobility LLCatt.com Mobile WirelessCricket Communications, Inc.https://www.cricketwireless.com/cell-phoneplansMobile WirelessSprintwww.sprint.com Mobile WirelessT-Mobilewww.t-mobile.com Mobile WirelessVerizon Wirelesswww.verizonwireless.com Mobile BroadbandDevelop Public Private Partnerships to Deploy Broadband Service -- Public private partnerships take many forms, limited only by the imagination and legalframework in which the municipality operates. Some communities issue municipal bonds tofund construction of a network, which they lease to private carriers, with the lease paymentscovering the debt service. Others create nonprofit organizations to develop networks incollaboration with private carriers or provide seed investment to jump-start construction ofnetworks that the private sector is unable to cost justify on its own. A public private partnershipshould not be simply seen as a method of financing. The strength of these partnerships is thateach party brings something important to the table the other does not have or cannot easilyacquire. The community can offer infrastructure (publicly owned building rooftops, light poles,towers, and other vertical assets for mounting infrastructure) for the deployment of thesystem, as well as committed anchor tenants. Private sector partners bring network buildingand operations experience.Benefits:1. The public sector transfers much of the risk for private investment. For example, the publicsector has many funding tools available, including incentivizing continued investmentthrough tax credits, encouraging greater availability of private capital through governmentguaranteed loans, or government being a direct source of capital through loans or grants.2. The partnership can aggregate demand and reduce barriers to deployment.3. By working together, public and private parties can educate and build awareness neededfor the public to better integrate the use of broadband into their lives, thereby improvingthe business case for broadband deployment.4. A good partnership concentrates investment on non-duplicative networks and aims toensure that all residents have access to adequate broadband service.EducationEducate high capacity institutions on the benefits and identify opportunities forcollaboration._90d0ec74-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd3.1High Capacity InstitutionsBusiness ModelDevelop a finance and business model for any proposed projects._90d0edaa-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd3.2FundingFund deployment of broadband. _90d0eee0-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd3.3Wireless CallingImprove wireless call quality and reliability through the build-out of 4G/LTE service for the entire Island._90d0f034-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd4Assist Providers with Building Necessary Wireless Infrastructure (LocalSubmission) -- Routinely assess the wireless coverage across the Island for major carriers to uncover areas inneed of service improvements. Maintain data on existing vertical assets of cell towers andantenna placement locations and provide carriers with support for the site selection andpermitting process. Manage and report progress.Benefits:1. Enables wireless services to reach residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations.2. Catalogues the vertical assets and collects the contacts.3. Enables fast accurate solutions to wireless coverage problems.4. Lasting and successful solutions to call and data quality and reliability issues.SurveysRoutinely survey call and data services for the four main carriers on the Island._90d0f16a-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd4.1NeedsAdvise carriers of locations where improvements to the wireless network are needed._90d0f2aa-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd4.2SolutionsSuggest alternate solutions for quality, reliability, and coverage._90d0f4bc-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd4.3Sites & PermitsSupport the site selection and permitting process._90d0f610-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd4.4ImprovementsManage and report on progress toward service improvements. _90d0f75a-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd4.5ForumsBring together community stakeholders to develop a dialogue about how public and private stakeholders can collectively and separately improve broadband access, education, adoption, and use in support of economic development._90d0f8cc-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd5Quarterly Technology Forum for Economic Development -- Develop and host a technology forum for residents and businesses to increase awareness ofbroadband value, service options, and the potential impact on quality of life. The technologyforum should facilitate community partnerships between leaders in local government and theprivate sector, including non-profits and private businesses in the education, healthcare, andagriculture sectors, with the goal of ensuring that residents have at least one place in thecommunity to use powerful new broadband technologies, and that this asset will be sustainedover time. Furthermore, the technology forum should highlight success stories as evidence ofthe impact of technology.Benefits:1. Sharing technology industry advancements and applications.2. Highlights successes, opportunities, and challenges regarding community technologyplanning.3. Develops ongoing dialogue around improving broadband access, adoption, and use.MonitoringMonitor technology industry developments._90d0fa0c-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd5.1AdvancementsIdentify advancements applicable to this community._90d0fb60-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd5.2TestimonialsPresent testimonial evidence from community._90d0fcd2-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd5.3OpportunitiesIdentify specific opportunities in the community for businesses and residents._90d0fe30-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd5.4DemandsIdentify stakeholder demands that are not being met._90d0ff7a-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd5.5Cyber EventHold a Cyber event that demonstrates emerging technologies and potential job-related skills, to help increase future job opportunities for students._90d100ec-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd6Feature Cyber Education (Local Submission) -- The need for proficiency with technology is growing as more jobs become dependent ontechnology. Many of today’s jobs are beyond traditional roles in hardware and softwaredevelopment, trending more toward big data processes in retail, banking, insurance,healthcare, and education. To promote technology and digital literacy to young people andfamilies, efforts will be made to form business, academic, and community partnerships to hosta cyber-event or series that provides a project-based, fun, hands-on event for children toexperience some of the latest in technology, such as 3-D printing demonstrations.Benefits:1. Promotes the development of the skills needed for a competitive workforce.2. Recognizes the talent and significant achievements in leveraging technology for innovationand growth.PartnershipsForm community partnerships and work with Connect South Carolina to host an event on the Island._90d1024a-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd6.1Connect South CarolinaPromotionPromote the event in the community._90d1039e-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd6.2Supply & DemandUnderstand existing and future needs for broadband supply and demand in different community segments._90d1051a-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd7Broadband Availability -- 1. Identify and Populate Community Supply and Demand Matrix (Local Submission)Conduct a broadband survey to understand population segment service needs and how theyare being met with services from Internet service providers. The matrix will show broadbandsupply and demand alternatives for different community segments, such as students,businesses, government agencies, and visitors.Goal:Benefits:1. Establishes a better understanding of the key drivers of the broadband market and theirneeds.2. Enables project-level planning for tactical deployment of broadband Internet services.3. Validates the business case for network build out and capacity investment.TeamDevelop a project team to design and conduct a survey that that can provide community segment specific information on broadband supply and demand._90d10678-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd7.1SolutionsResearch alternative solutions for different community segment demands._90d107d6-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd7.2SegmentsPrepare a matrix presentation showing the different community segments needs and identify potential solutions based on various technology options._90d10b32-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd7.3Locations & ProjectsTabulate location and project data and display the tabulated data on maps to identify clusters of homes or businesses in need of greater access to broadband or increased speeds._90d10ca4-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd7.4Survey ResultsPresent and discuss the survey results with prospective Internet service providers along with maps of the responses to encourage service improvements on the Island. _90d10e0c-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd7.5Internet Service ProvidersConnectivityIncrease the connectivity on the Island and encourage the creative use of broadband and technology to improve the experiences of residents and visitors on the Island._90d10f9c-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd8Recognize Technology Achievements in the Community (Local Submission) -- Create community awards that recognize achievements in improved broadband access,adoption, and use. The satisfaction of both residents and visitors on the Island is increasingly tied to the quality of wired and wireless access to the Internet. This is particularly true ofaccommodations where visitors spend much of their time. There must be sufficient broadbandcapability based on the time of day, day of week, and point within the travel season to meetvisitor expectations. Broadband-enabled technologies can also be used to create moreconnected businesses and special events. To emphasize the value of providing connectedaccommodations and the creative use of broadband-enabled technologies to improve theexperiences of residents and visitors on the Island, award those that achieve best practicestandards.Benefits:1. Provides visitors with services relative to their expectations.2. Increases residents’ satisfaction.3. Encourages return visits and long-term residency.TargetsDevelop targets for connectivity based on industry best practices._90d11104-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd8.1Accommodations & ApplicationsRecognize accommodations and applications that meet the targets._90d11276-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd8.2PublicityPublicize achievements. _90d11410-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd8.3Beach Wi-FiExpanded Wi-Fi access on the beach._90d1158c-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd9Connect the Beach (Local Submission) -- The beach is the Island’s premier destination. Making Wi-Fi access available in locations alongthe beach will increase access to the Internet for beachgoers and promote Hilton Head Island asa place to live, work, and play. As the gaps in Wi-Fi access disappear along the beach, the Islandwill also have a connected beach that can help to strengthen the appeal of the Island.Benefits:1. Enhances services for residents, visitors, and corporate meetings.2. Promotes Hilton Head Island as a connected destination.3. Attracts return visitors.4. Provides a competitive marketing advantage for new business development.Target AreasDevelop target areas for Wi-Fi on the beach._90d116fe-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd9.1DeploymentDeploy service in those areas. _90d11898-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd9.2PromotionPromote Hilton Head Island as a connected beach destination._90d11a14-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd10_90d11bfe-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecdEducationMake access to education anytime and anywhere._90d11df2-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd11Education Subgroup recommendation: 4. Expand the Learning Environment Past the Boundaries of the School (Local Submission) -- Find available resources to accomplish the objectives of education that extend outside of schooltime, for both content and access to digital learning. Find other leading edge school districtsthat have deployed educational technologies.Benefits:1. Increase learning time by extending learning beyond the classroom walls.2. Individualize learning and increase student engagement in school.3. Encourage self-directed learning.4. Enable parents to more effectively support their children at home. InitiativesWork with community education committees to support the school initiatives for access and content._90d11f6e-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd11.1AssessmentWork with schools to assess the roll-out of current technology initiatives._90d120ea-eadb-11e8-b581-2a1a6e6c6ecd11.22014-12-162018-11-17https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/publications/plans/HHITechnologyActionPlan.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net