Broadband: Residential and Businesses

The term Broadband refers generally to any telecommunications service capable of supporting digital data transmission at high speeds. These services can include and/or support Internet, television, telephone, private data networks and various specialized uses. Broadband service can be delivered in a variety of ways, including telephone lines (e.g., DSL), coaxial cable (e.g., cable modem), fiber optic cable, wireless cellular/mobile service (e.g., cell phones, tablets, wireless modems), WiFi, point-to-point and point-to multipoint fixed wireless service and hybrid networks.

A description of broadband service in Morgan Hill is available, plus additional background information is detailed below.

Best Practices to Improve a Home or Business Internet Connection

Avoid using an integrated (all-in-one) modem and router. This is standard practice to provide customers with one device.
Split the Modem and Routing Functions.
Avoid signal blockers, such as baby monitors, wireless headphones, microwaves, etc.
Place WiFi router in a central location that is away from obstructions such as cabinets, windows, etc.
Purchase approved modems from various retailers. For Charter Communications customers, approved modems information is available at: https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/compliant-modems-spectrum-network/.
Consider upgrading or using a Wi-Fi router that is 802.11n/ac.
There are two frequencies that are broadcast 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz through most routers.
Connect smart home devices to the 2.4 GHz frequency and connect only phone and computing devices to the 5GHZ channel.
Not specific to Morgan Hill, but one company offers tips that may help residents improve their internet speed.

Local Broadband Information

California Broadband Interactive Map shows information submitted by the providers to the California Public Utilities Commission: https://www.broadbandmap.ca.gov/
See what service providers are available along with advertised speeds and starting prices in Morgan Hill: broadbandnow.com
The City of Morgan Hill has assembled a list of local service providers and general contact information
Check your connection speed, which may indicate the need to update hardware: https://www.speedtest.net/

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wants Your Feedback on Broadband

The FCC wants to hear first-hand from consumers about the availability and quality of broadband in communities across the United States as part of an effort to improve internet access.

Link to FCC Consumer Complaints: Submit a request – FCC Complaints

The FCC launched a feedback form in 2021 that allows internet users to share their experiences regarding broadband access, speed, and carrier availability as the FCC works to improve the accuracy of its broadband maps.

Background

The primary broadband infrastructure in Morgan Hill is owned and operated by Frontier Communications, which took over ownership and operation of Verizon’s wireline telephone systems in California, and Charter Communications, which purchased Falcon Communications in 1999.

An independent analysis by Tellus Ventures in 2016, analyzed the telecommunications infrastructure in Morgan Hill as generally poor. In addition, the report did provide recommendations for the City to consider to support greater broadband deployment. Some of the activities that have been completed or are in process include:

Design Standards for Conduit (pdf)
Small Cell Design Guidelines (pdf)
Master License Agreement for Small Cells (pdf)
City of Morgan Hill Broadband Agreement (City facilities)

Previous Broadband Community Workshop Series

The City is and has been aware that broadband service in Morgan Hill does not meet the community’s expectations, nor in many cases, does not meet the community’s true needs. To get closer to solutions to the problem, the City hosted workshops covering a range of issues within the problem:

Providing the community with a better understanding of the history of broadband services in Morgan Hill.
What infrastructure (both wired and wireless) exists in Morgan Hill.
How broadband is regulated and what that means to Morgan Hill.
What the City can and cannot do. What residents and local businesses can and should do.