Welcome

Communications technology is quickly impacting every aspect of our lives…from education to healthcare to employment to relationships. Think about how life has changed in fifteen years. Acknowledge how different it could be in fifteen more.

The YourVo!ce Initiative combs our diverse communities in Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village, plus unincorporated Multnomah County, for input that will help us design our communications technology future; so that technology is no longer something that happens to us, but by us and for us all.

 
 

Comcast Renewal

Comcast’s contracts in Multnomah
County expire shortly and the question
remains whether local benefits & protections
will continue. more

Did You Know?

In late 2009, the MHCRC conducted a ground-breaking study of our local communications technology needs. Discover all the surprising findings here. 

events

12.16 • Request for Grant Proposals Released The MHCRC has released notice of available funds for the 2012 Community Access Capital Grant competitive grant round. Apply here

CENTURYLINK LAUNCHES LOW COST INTERNET SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO FCC • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the merger of telecommunications carrier, Qwest Communications, and internet service provider, CenturyLink. With the approval the FCC imposed broadband deployment requirements to the merger which mimic those they applied to the NBCU-Comcast merger: CenturyLink must develop a broadband adoption program targeted toward low-income customers for about $10/month and develop digital literacy training programs. more
In response, CenturyLink launched its Internet Basics program. In Oregon, to qualify for the $9.95/month program an individual would need to also qualify for one of the following assistance programs, Food Stamps, or Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Also: Participants can purchase an Internet-ready 'netbook' computer for $150, plus taxes, shipping and handling. Consumers can find out more information about the Internet Basics program here or by calling 1-800-257-3212.

MEETING FCC REQUIREMENTS • COMCAST LAUNCHES LOW COST INTERNET SERVICES The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice approved -- with several conditions -- a merger of the country's largest cable operator, Comcast, and broadcasting company NBC Universal. As part of the merger, Comcast-NBCU is required to take affirmative steps to foster competition in the video marketplace. In addition, Comcast-NBCU will increase local news coverage to viewers; expand children's programming; enhance the diversity of programming available to Spanish-speaking viewers; OFFER BROADBAND SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME AMERICANS AT REDUCED MONTHLY PRICES; and provide high-speed broadband to schools, libraries and underserved communities, among other public benefits. more In response, Comcast recently introduced INTERNET ESSENTIALS to the Portland Metro Area. The service is designed to provide Internet access at a discount to families whose children qualify for free school lunches.
For More Details on INTERNET ESSENTIALS: Online, or at 1-855-846-8376 for English; 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

8.3 • Cable Franchise Public Benefits: A Decade of Community Investment
Watch the City of Portland Council presentation here.

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