County still downloading
We know, we know. Every since the advent of personal computers residents of Rappahannock County have been anxious for a broadband fix. There was hope when the county formed its first broadband committee — public meetings were held, industry speakers and wireless experts appeared, solutions were debated and discussed, and then — nada.
No coverage, no signal, no reception — no whatever is in the air that surrounding counties enjoy and we don’t.
So today, as in the past, county residents without internet access are camped inside — and outside — wi-fi enabled coffee shops and other businesses answering their emails, sending off worksheets, buying the latest bestseller, and checking the score of the previous night’s ball game.
But never say never. Be there or be square.
The recently resurrected Rappahannock Broadband Committee is encouraging residents whose work schedules permit to appear at the Washington Fire Hall at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 7, for a much-anticipated broadband presentation. The committee will be hearing from Sandie Terry, vice president of broadband programs from the Center for Innovative Technology. Terry leads efforts to provide localities with strategic broadband plans identifying local assets, providers, gaps in broadband coverage and strategies to address and improve broadband adoption and utilization.
“This will be an informative, fact-gathering event for the committee and the community and all are welcome,” said Rappahannock County Supervisor John Lesinski, adding “we believe working with the CIT is a critical next step that will launch us towards solutions.”
A meeting agenda provided this week by Rappahannock County Administrator Debbie Keyser sets aside limited time after the presentation for committee and public comment.
According to the CIT website: “CIT Broadband is the only resource in the Commonwealth that offers a ‘holistic’ supply and demand approach to solving the broadband equation. The current mission of CIT’s Broadband Program is to accelerate the socio-economic growth of Virginia’s rural and underserved areas through the application and use of broadband telecommunications.”