Sullivan launches broadband experiment

Posted 10/16/19

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County legislators tentatively voted on October 10 to move forward with a wireless broadband experimental project that “could ultimately bring high-speed …

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Sullivan launches broadband experiment

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MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County legislators tentatively voted on October 10 to move forward with a wireless broadband experimental project that “could ultimately bring high-speed internet access to most of the unserved/underserved portions of Sullivan County,” according to a county press release.

The legislation, approved in committee and expected to be approved by the full board, is a $160,000 agreement with Integrated Systems of Victor, NY.

The company would mount equipment on the new 250-foot communication tower next to the new county jail just outside of Monticello. The equipment will reportedly send and receive high-speed data in a four-mile area surrounding the tower. The county will create a local development corporation that will provide service to paying customers, which the county anticipates will be lower than existing service providers.

“Sullivan County is not looking to compete with current internet service providers as much as we seek to create a cost-effective and extremely useful solution for those unable to either afford or obtain high-speed internet access,” said chief information officer Lorne Green.

“Without the expense of miles of wiring and with the ability to transmit and receive up to 100 [megabits per second] even in nearby valleys, broadband wireless holds the promise of resolving ongoing concerns not just for residents and businesses but for county purposes, as well,” said legislator Scott Samuelson.

Legislator Alan Sorensen said if the technology “proves to be as transformative as we think it will be in the Monticello area, we’ll expand it to every county-owned tower, so that the majority of Sullivan County’s citizens and business owners can benefit.”
Testing on the system is slated to begin next year.

broadband, high-speed internet, Sullivan County

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