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Caroline in early stages of pursuing public-private wireless Internet service

Caroline officials considering public-private partnership for wireless service

Date published: 1/10/2008

By COREY BYERS

Officials in Caroline County are toying with the idea of offering wireless Internet service as part of a public-private partnership.

On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors decided to hold off on creating a wireless authority to oversee such an agreement.

Supervisor Jeff Sili, said members should look at existing Internet availability and possible partnerships with other county offices or businesses before proceeding.

"I'd like to take this and set up some sort of group to talk about it and utilize this countywide," Sili said. "What we don't want is to start impinging on service that's already existing--let's figure out who provides what."

Other supervisors agreed to study the issue and table it until further notice.

"I think it's vital that we can find a tool to bring more broadband to the citizens of Caroline," said Supervisor Maxie Rozell. "Next time we do a cell tower, this could the the opportunity to bring broadband connection to Sparta or other rural areas of the county."

If Caroline pursues the public-private wireless service option, they won't be alone. King George and Westmoreland Counties have already taken steps to bring in wireless.

King George supervisors set up a wireless authority about a year ago and are finalizing a contract with Virginia Broadband to make the technology available.

Officials there plan to let Virginia Broadband use county infrastructure, such as water towers, to install wireless hardware on. The company will be responsible for charging for service.

As a part of the deal, the county recently agreed to loan up to $740,000 to Virginia Broadband to help with startup costs.

Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
Email: cbyers@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 1/10/2008