A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MOUNTAIN AREA INFORMATION NETWORK (MAIN)

WHEREAS, high-speed Internet access is now essential for the
educational and economic advancement of all residents of the City of
Asheville;

WHEREAS, many Asheville residents continue to lack affordable
broadband Internet access;

WHEREAS, expanding broadband access is a top priority of local
economic development agencies such as the Asheville Area Chamber of
Commerce and the HUB Alliance;

WHEREAS, the nonprofit Mountain Area Information Network (MAIN) is
the only local organization dedicated to bridging the broadband
Digital Divide;

WHEREAS, in 2011, the North Carolina General Assembly prohibited
municipalities from offering broadband Internet access to the
general public, making organizations like MAIN the only local
resource for bridging the Digital Divide;

WHEREAS, MAIN requires access to a City-owned cell tower to expand
affordable broadband access in and around Asheville, and providing
this tower space does NOT require the expenditure of any City funds;

WHEREAS, providing this tower space would constitute "in-kind"
matching support to help MAIN attract private investments, including
grants and donations, for further expansion of broadband access
throughout the City;

WHEREAS, the estimated commercial value of this "in-kind" matching
support is $60,000 (including prior rents) over the next 36 months;

WHEREAS, in return for this "in-kind" matching support, MAIN will
focus its network expansion efforts in and around Asheville's public
housing and low-wealth neighborhoods and community centers;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the
Mountain Area Information Network respectfully requests that the
Asheville City Council instructs City staff to develop an
appropriate agreement to provide MAIN with space on the City-owned
tower as described in the above Resolution.

APPROVED 21st MARCH 2012