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Legislator Pat Pryor chairs the Broadband CommitteeAfter more than a year of research and deliberation, the Tompkins County Broadband Committee presented its recommendations to the County Legislature regarding how to best extend broadband Internet service to all in Tompkins County. The Committee was charged to “advise the Tompkins County Legislature on how to best promote broadband technology countywide, to address the needs of unserved and underserved residents, foster public-private innovation, enhance existing capabilities, and support good governance.”

Noting that quality Internet access is a necessity for daily communications and transactions for every citizen, the Report documents that, according to a “gap map” recently prepared by the Committee, more than 4,700 households and businesses in the County’s rural areas lack reliable broadband access (a greater number that state and federal sources identify).  Although broadband technology exists, the Report notes that the cost for commercial providers and the price for individual subscribers are too great to extend the infrastructure into the County’s less densely populated areas.

Based on its analysis of the options available, the Committee recommends that the County, in collaboration with other stakeholders, proceed to implement universal broadband Internet access in Tompkins County, using “fixed wireless” technology.

In the “fixed wireless” approach, a broadband signal is relayed from a central office to a distribution point, such as a cell tower or telephone pole; the distribution point then sends the signal wirelessly to a fixed end point (receiver) on the home.  The Committee recommends this technology as the most cost-effective option for meeting current requirements, with a projected capital cost of from $300 to $800 per household.  The Report states the technology could be easily deployed through local companies and could be easily enhanced in the future.

“Implementation of a Fixed Wireless option now will allow us to accomplish the goal of universal broadband Internet access at a moderate cost, while preserving options for future upgrades,” the Report states.  “We are confident that this approach will serve the citizens of Tompkins County well, enabling the County to address both current and future needs.” 

Among other recommendations, the Committee calls for drafting of a business plan, so that the County is prepared to respond rapidly to future funding opportunities, and that the County have substantial funding available and be ready to commit matching funds, should such opportunities become available.

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