Santa Clara County moves forward with proposal to create public-sector internet service provider

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors took its first steps Tuesday toward creating a publicly owned internet service provider that would offer high-speed service to underserved residents and businesses.

The proposal from Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Susan Ellenberg would create an ISP operated solely by the county or with other local jurisdictions with the goal of expanding internet access to both residents who lack reliable internet access and those who only have access through one provider.