Top of Mind Topics
Aside from real estate information, one of the most frequently searched topics that brings internet users to CarolineVaBlog is the search for updated information about high speed, DSL or fiber internet to the citizens of the county. Most specifically the Lake Caroline and Lake Land’or Communities. Most of us agree that this is a frustrating and important issue for quality of life, home value and education. Readers have been great sources of information, and have been keeping us all up to date on movement within the county.
Metrocast seems to be the only provider who has actually made any movement lately. Even that has been slow and localized to the Port Royal area.
Caroline Internet Update
A few months ago I called Gary Wilson, the Economic Director for Caroline County. He had some great information about the unfortunately slow process, but I thought it was worth sharing. Caroline is actively working on the issue and the many obstacles presented. I know that several of you have commented on and off the blog about the need to make the next County Supervisor’s election be based on the progress of high-speed internet access. That shows the value that many hold for this issue. I think there are a number of issues that need to be considered when choosing our counties leaders, but the internet access will be one that I would put on the list.
Today I asked Mr. Wilson to email an update that I could share on the blog. I appreciate his time, and here is what he sent me within a few hours.
Dear Mr. Rathbun,
Thank you for your continued interest in Caroline’s effort to overcome the challenges to bring high speed internet to our underserved communities. Mr. Ashcraft asked me to update you on recent developments.
I am pleased to relate that new opportunities to remedy the broadband issue in your area are at hand, and the County is working actively to promote a solution. As you know, the road to achieve coverage in your area has been a difficult one. Like you, we keenly share your frustration with this situation.
We have sought intervention from the State Corporation Commission, the Federal Communication Commission, the Congress and our US Senators. At each level we have been rebuffed by the providers who have stated that they have their own business models–and service in rural communities is simply not “profitable enough” for their expanding DSL in Caroline.
When the US Government cannot compel cooperation, a county faces steep odds in forcing providers to do what is right.Positive developments, however, are taking shape. Three broadband providers are expressing interest in serving the lake communities, and the County is working with them to advance their projects. As these are private enterprise initiatives, we can take a unique position to assist them if they allow our participation. (We can mention that these initiatives exist as they have made themselves know to citizens in the County.)
As you know, Mr. Thomas and the Board passed a Broadband Authority Ordinance that can utilize existing County owned infrastructure in conjunction with investors in a public/private partnership as one potential means of facilitating a private investment. As the private firms make known to the County more information, we can be in a proactive position to assist in the development of broadband for our citizens. As the process unfolds, we will be open to numerous options that the companies can suggest, and that our citizens may express interest in.
Caroline will continue to serve it citizens aggressively to bring broadband to our community.
Gary
Gary Wilson, Director
Economic Development and Tourism
23724 Rogers Clark Blvd.
Ruther Glen, Virginia 22546
Office: (804) 633-4074 Fax: (804) 633-2489
www.visitcaroline.com/economic
It’s not the most positive message if you’re looking for progress, but it does show effort is being made from our county staff and elected officials. Several readers have given us some updates from around the county and you read that in past posts below:
Related Posts
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Caroline the land the Internet Forgot (Great Comments…)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello Mr Rathburn,
I am a Caroline County Resident that is craving a viable high speed internet provider. I currently have VABB, and when I first received the service it was great! However, now it is completely over-sold for the area and during peak times the service is worse than dial-up. It has been tolerable as I can typically work from home during the day, however the speeds are still pretty slow.
I think this is a great blog and I appreciate the leg-work that you have put in to get information regarding this. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help bring this much needed service to the county.
Regards,
Jason Rachanow
Hi Jason!
Please just call me Matthew.
I understand your high speed craving. I’m there with you. My electricity has been off and we’ve been at my in-laws with FIOS. I’ve gotten so much done in so little time…
Just keep us up to date on any rumors or information that you hear. Most people consider VABB to have been a good option, that no longer is worth the money. I think our best hope right now is to find REC or some other public-private venture to provide the service.
Thanks for keeping us informed about the broadband situation.
Google announced yesterday that they are looking for volunteer communities to serve as test beds for a new 1Gb (!!!) fiber-optic broadband network. I sent an email about this to Gary Wilson. I don’t know if Caroline nieghborhoods would stand a chance in being selected, but it sure wouldn’t hurt to throw our hat in the ring.
More information:
http://tinyurl.com/y8syll9
Submit a community for consideration:
http://tinyurl.com/yeb55g5
(This has one section for local governments and another for individuals…If you are interested, fill it out…It can’t hurt.)
submissions will be accepted until March 26. Selections will be announced later this year. It sounds like Google wants to get the ball rolling on this soon.