D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 1312
1312.1 Localities such as the District plan for and regulate telecommunications infrastructure in accordance with the 1996 Telecommunications Act, as well as other regulations and orders issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Washington, DC seeks to implement telecommunications policies that advance its initiatives to broaden technology infrastructure and wireless accessibility throughout the District, often in coordination with private industry and federal stakeholders.
1312.2 Digital access has become a need for most residents of the District. The digital divide is commonly understood to be the gap between people with useful access to digital and information technologies and those with little to no access at all. Bridging this divide will help contribute to long-term success, inclusion, and equity in the District. OCTO's Connect DC Program works to increase digital literacy, improve access to devices, and provide digital connectivity to underserved District residents. Map 13.5 shows internet access in the District, where the most underserved areas are in predominantly Black, lower-income communities in Wards 7 and 8. Digital access, along with the training to adopt and use technologies, is increasingly critical to access education, workplaces and other services and activities.
1312.3 Map 13.5: Internet Access
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016, 1-Year ACS Public Use Microdata)
1312.4 OCTO’s DC-Net Program provides managed voice, data, and video services to Comprehensive Plan
local, regional, and federal government agencies within the District over a District-owned, high-capacity, secure and redundant fiber-optic telecommunications platform. The security and reliability of DC-Net are paramount because District agencies are highly reliant on the carrier for voice communications, public safety applications, traffic management, parking management, financial data transactions, and security operations. This standards-based platform is the foundation for next-generation government and public safety communications throughout Washington, DC and will help to enable smart city solutions across the District. See IN-4.2 Leveraging New and Emerging Technology for additional information.
1312.5 Minimizing the digital divide through solutions such as expanding public wireless internet access, digital literacy programs, and access to job opportunities and technical internships that focus on digitally underserved neighborhoods are core goals for Washington, DC.
1312.5a Text Box: Pennsylvania Avenue 2040 Initiative
The District, in partnership with the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, the National Capital Planning Commission, and private companies, launched the Pennsylvania Avenue 2040 (PA 2040) initiative to enhance visitors' experience on Pennsylvania Avenue by implementing smart city technologies. PA 2040 includes free broadband public Wi-Fi for the three-block corridor. Some of the initial technologies and applications tested in PA 2040 include moisture sensing in tree beds, smart waste management, and movement analytics.
1312.5b The PA 2040 project is working to create a better experience for users of the west Pennsylvania Avenue NW corridor. The project has demonstrated effective interagency collaboration, and its working model will be applied to new projects. As the District's established test area for smart city applications, PA 2040 provides an environment to measure the impacts of smart city technology.
1312.6 Policy IN-4.1.1: Development of Communications Infrastructure
Washington, DC shall plan, coordinate, and oversee development and maintenance of communications infrastructure, including cable networks, fiber-optic networks, and wireless communications facilities to help support daily functions and goals related to equity and opportunity, economic development, transportation, public health and safety, security, resilience, and education.
1312.7 Policy IN-4.1.2: Digital Infrastructure Accessibility
Strategically expand the public wireless coverage that provides District residents, workers, and visitors access to highly reliable and secure internet-based services.
1312.8 Policy IN-4.1.3: Equitable Digital Access
Enhance access to digital services in the District to reduce the digital divide,
strategically expanding public wireless coverage to serve underserved communities and providing such access at schools, libraries, and other District government facilities.
1312.9
Washington, DC’s digital infrastructure should be adequately protected from both physical and digital threats by using best practices and enhancing operational capabilities.
1312.10
Establish locational and design criteria for under- and above-ground telecommunication facilities, including conduit systems, small cells, antennas, towers, switching centers, and system maintenance facilities. In addition, establish provisions to put cables and wires underground wherever feasible. Consult with ANCs and community groups in the development of siting criteria.
See the Environmental Protection Element for additional policies and actions on the siting of telecommunication towers and transmission facilities.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).