2.11.2026 Cable and Broadband Internet Commission

The City of Portsmouth's Cable and Broadband Internet Commission convened to discuss several key issues related to telecommunications infrastructure and services. The commission approved previous meeting minutes and addressed ongoing cell phone coverage challenges, particularly in the West End business district. They considered enhancing public awareness by updating the commission's webpage with resources from Verizon and AT&T, and discussed potential collaboration with the Economic Development Commission to further address coverage concerns. The commission also explored zoning ordinance updates to better accommodate telecommunications infrastructure, noting the current limitations on cell tower placements. Additionally, they reviewed the status of local public access television operations and franchise agreements, including the complexities of regulating cable rates in a noncompetitive market. A significant portion of the meeting focused on emerging technologies such as 5G, CBRS, and smart city infrastructure, highlighting the potential for municipal involvement in deploying resilient, community-focused broadband networks. The commission emphasized the importance of education and strategic planning to align with the city's vision for connectivity and technological advancement. Future meetings were scheduled to continue these discussions and plan actionable steps.