As a result of Park County Commissioner approval of a multi-year commitment to improved broadband service throughout the Park County, the County is moving forward with its initiative to bring high speed Internet service to underserved and unserved areas of the County. The County submitted a grant application to the Department of Local Affairs Energy Impact Assistance Program late last year to begin development of a County supported network in the Bailey area. Another application was submitted earlier this year to support better Internet service in the Fairplay and Alma/Placer Valley area.
Broadband or Internet connectivity has been the focus of considerable interest at the national and State level for the past few years. Broadband has recently been defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as Internet speeds of 25 megabits per second (mbps) download and 3 mbps upload speed. Broadband, especially in rural areas is viewed as a critical public utility like roads, electricity, and water and wastewater treatment, for economic vitality. It is also critical for school districts and other governmental agencies that must provide students and residents with access to an important if not vital means of survival and competition in the age of the Internet.
Commissioner Mike Brazell and consultants hired by the County have been meeting with multiple carriers, key stakeholders, and residents for over a year to determine the best way to improve access to the Internet in the County. Later this summer, efforts will be underway to construct networks that will allow for better access to government offices and services, and enable private carriers to access more readily available and affordable “middle mile” or “backhaul” which supports the ultimate deployment or connection of the Internet to the home or business.
The establishment of the Park County Local Technology Planning Team (LTPT) which was recommended by the State to gather input and develop local solutions has been meeting for approximately eighteen (18) months. The Team is made up of residents from throughout the County, representatives from government agencies from around the State, key stakeholders such as school district and local government officials, local, regional, and national providers and carriers representing the industry, and interested residents representing themselves and home owners associations. The Team has met monthly to discuss ways to improve Internet connectivity in Park County. The Team is currently advocating that residents take the State “speed test” and answer a brief survey to update the current State mapping of broadband connectivity.
The County will continue its efforts to support the deployment of affordable and accessible broadband and better Internet connectivity throughout the County. In the meantime, residents are urged to get involved and become knowledgeable of the County’s efforts to secure better Internet connectivity. Commissioner Brazell and others key staff are available to meet with residents to explain what is happening and assist residents in better understanding the importance of broadband in their community. See the Broadband Mapping Project on the County Web Site and take the speed test and survey as a way to better understand broadband. If you have other questions, contact the County.
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