The possibility of high speed internet service being made available to all of the residents of Kent County is exciting and encouraging for both the near term and more importantly the long term future. The Kent County Broadband Committee has to be commended for the work they have done in creating the RFP for vendor selection and the effort it took to make a selection from the respondents. Scott Boone should be singled out for all of the legwork that he did in researching the possible solutions to the unique needs of the county.
The Commissioners also have to be given credit for recognizing the importance of this technology to the county’s economic future and the deliberate approach they took to bring this project to this point and the political will to support it moving forward.
Another individual who needs to be recognized is Tom Beckett a former member of the Economic Development Advisory Board. In 2013, during the effort to develop a strategic plan for economic development, it was his vision to make the availability of high speed internet service the top priority of that plan.
As with all big plans, the devil is in the details. In addition to the $400 install cost for the connection, folks should also be aware of the possibility to have to acquire a router capable of taking full advantage of the 1 GB speed – a potential cost of approximately $200.
Bob Ampula
Broad Neck
Jamie Williams says
Thank you Bob, for recognizing Scott Boone and Tom Beckett. They did indeed exert much effort and dedication to this project mostly behind the scenes. All citizens and businesses will be able to benefit from their foresight and tenacity.