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County creates broadband authority
Spotsylvania County creates a wireless broadband authorityDate published: 3/4/2008 By byJonas Beals byJonas Beals Spotsylvania may follow King George into the age of wireless broadband Internet. The Board of Supervisors recently approved a measure that lays the groundwork for a wireless broadband service authority. With permission to form and hold a public hearing, the authority can now take steps toward creating public-private partnerships that would build a wireless broadband network in the county. Although it has not yet been funded, county supervisors have approved $10,000 for a consultant to help the wireless broadband authority navigate the State Corporation Commission's requirements for approval. "It's a service authority and can issue debt. It's similar to the water service authority," said Spotsylvania County Director of Information Services Brian Scott said. The authority is made up of supervisors. Because of low population density, patches of western and southern Spotsylvania are not served by cable companies, and are not eligible for DSL service from phone companies. The wireless system would offer an alternative to dial-up for those residents. "The idea came from board members who see under-served areas in the county," Scott added. "We will focus mainly on the area beyond the primary settlement district. Our biggest concern is the Lake Anna area--they don't have many choices." Scott envisions a partnership much like the deal struck last month between King George County and Virginia Broadband LLC, suggesting the county could work with that very company. In the King George deal, Virginia Broadband was allowed to place their equipment on existing county structures like water towers. King George also approved $52,000 to cover legal and technical advising, and agreed to facilitate up to $740,000 in loans to help with startup costs. For a $299 installation cost and a monthly fee ranging from $49.50 to $89.50, King George residents will be able to get Internet access at speeds up to 10 times faster than dial-up. Spotsylvanians might have a similar option soon. A public-private partnership means that Spotsylvania would offer county and state property or other support for a wireless provider to install relay equipment and towers. Scott advised that towers would probably be no taller than a telephone pole. He believes that county residents will benefit from the increased availability of the Internet, as well as increased competition between providers. County services like the Sheriff's Department and Fire Department could also benefit from countywide Internet coverage. It took King George more than a year to get through the planning stage, and it will take time for any system to get up and running in Spotsylvania, but Scott hopes to use the template created by King George to expedite the process of partnering with a provider. "We are giving them an easier way to break into the market and provide a service to the county," Scott said. "We're exploring the possibilities. It's really a matter of whether or not we can do it tech-wise." To reach Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 3/4/2008
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