Expanding High-Speed Internet Access
At the end of April, the Board of Supervisors awarded $500,000 in Last-Mile Broadband Grants to four local internet service providers (ISPs). “Last-mile” refers to the final leg connecting the high-speed internet (or, broadband ) service provider’s network to the end-use customer’s home. As a result of those grants, broadband service will be offered to 440 households to support distance learning, remote working, and tele-medicine. Each of the four projects – two of which are in District 1 – offers a unique and innovative approach to expanding broadband in areas challenged by both remote geography and low population density.
The two projects in District 1 include: 1) Nevada County Fiber’s project – which the County awarded $113,000 – will bring fiber service to 22 Nevada City homes in the community of Oak Ridge and Bear Claw Court neighborhood. This project is an extension of the 16-home, Banner Mountain project, funded throu
roneil@theunion.com
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved $500,000 of funding to leverage $3.85 million in private dollars on behalf of four last-mile broadband projects.
Sierra Business Council Project Manager Kari Sinoff said the county money will facilitate around 440 connections through grants awarded to Nevada County Fiber, Inc.; Northern Sierra Broadband; and Spiral Fiber, Inc., all in western county; and Oasis Broadband, in eastern county.
The timeline for all the projects is 12 to 18 months.
“Most of the projects actually require under 12 months,” Sinoff said. “We want to under-promise, over-deliver to residents in this area. They’ve waited a long time for the service, so we want to let them know it will be installed when it will be installed.”
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