Rowan County commissioners to discuss extending, upgrading internet in rural areas
By Josh Bergeron
SALISBURY - With a short agenda, Rowan County commissioners on Monday are scheduled to receive an update from the Rural Broadband Task Force about a survey of unserved and underserved areas.
The task force has worked over the previous year to review areas where internet isn’t available or speeds available are too slow and identify areas where private businesses can help build or enhance service.
Monday’s agenda states that the update will include a recap of the task force’s efforts as well as a presentation by Open Broadband LLC about a grant opportunity with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Monday’s agenda specifically states, “The board will hear from this new private sector provider and how they are looking to provide coverage to one of our key identified region in the Scotch Irish community with federal grant assistance.”
Scotch Irish is located in the far northwestern corner of Rowan County, at the border with Iredell and Davie counties. Open Broadband is a company that provides hybrid fiber and fixed wireless internet to communities, the company states on its website. Its chief technology officer is Kent Winrich, who formerly was director of the city of Salisbury’s Fibrant network.
Monday’s meeting will be at 3 p.m. in the Rowan County Administration Building — 130 W. Innes St.
Read the original article here