USDA loans provider $257 million

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7 commentsFriday, March 28, 2008

Rural Broadband To Become More Of A Reality

USDA loans provider $257 million

7 Comments

By Rik (WPN reader) - Fri, 05/02/2008 - 15:06

Rural broadband still only for a few

I have a feeling we'd all have DSl by now, if the gummint hadn't broken up Bell Tel. The federal solution is usually worse than the original problem. Divestiture may have made things better for high population centers, but not out here in Oregon. Competition hasn't improved telephone service a bit. In my area, The phone and cable representatives literally laugh when I ask about the future of DSL or cable internet opportunites for me. Satellite solutions are way too expensive for the little increase in benefits. In my electronic black hole, my neighbors and I can't get radio, TV or cell coverage. The most frequent reason given is "too few subscribers per mile". So, we click and go get a coffee on 26kbps dialup connections.

By bj (WPN reader) - Sat, 04/19/2008 - 17:44

you REALLY did NOT dig deep enough on this story.

USDA's Lending Policy Needs Work

By Guest (WPN reader) - Sun, 03/30/2008 - 19:13

The grants are a Joke

The U.S. Department of Agriculture grants do not go to the areas that need it. Example:

If a nerby city under the same excange as you has DSL but DSL doesn't server your area. You do not qualify.

If people near you make to much money your area doesn't qualify.

In over 100 rual areas that I know tried to get it only 3 qualified under the rules.

Myself I have no broadband in this rual area but do not qualify for grants due to DSL in the city 15 miles away..

The entire program is a Joke. What we really need is for the FCC to require the Phone companies to upgrade the existing phone lines so they can serve everyone with DSL.

By stuffdone (WPN reader) - Wed, 05/14/2008 - 11:54

Opportunity Knocks

With the cost of equipment dropping, this situation can create opportunity in these rural areas for local investors.

Since many areas are not profitible for existing telcos to rewire, a terresterial wireless DSL service becomes an attractive opening for a local company to sell broadband. New transmitters and receives can serve a radius of +- 50 miles from one antenna.

I was reselling this service in the Miami area and even in that large metro area there were pockets with no cable or dsl service. The wireless service was actually faster than cable!

Most small towns have a water tower high enough to serve and will likely trade tower rights in exchange for a broadband connection in City Hall or the local library or police department.

Instead of complaining about telco's lack of interest, find some local people with some cash and use AT&T's lack of interest as a springboard to profits. Ask your congressman to check into getting you some of that loan money for your local area.

By Guest (WPN reader) - Sun, 03/30/2008 - 19:25

I have been asking Verizon

I have been asking Verizon for several years when I will be able to get DSL. I get the standard reply "we are working to update the rural community. Please leave your email address and we will contact you when ..."

I live less than three miles from the main office in this small town and if I lived less than 2 miles closer I could get cable interent. I did finally get satelite broadband internet a few years ago but it would be nice to be a little faster.

I have asked a verizon repairman and he told me that to upgrade the station that serves my area would cost $25,000. By the way I do have fiber optic cable already installed to my house but who knows how long I'll have to wait to get real speed. $$$ talks!

By Guest (WPN reader) - Mon, 03/31/2008 - 10:28

I, too, have been asking Verizon

I have been asking Verizon and the national cable service about broadband in my rural area. Verizon in one of my last conversations with them quoted me that "broadband will become available in 15 years in your area". This is completely outrageous, by then it should be free. The upgrade to the local central office (CO) of Verizon would only require an upgrade of $25,000 to $30,000 to provide my area with broadband service.

The national cable service that perports to be supporting my area told me that if I would pay the $25,000 fee they would be happy to bring broadband to me.

I am now working with my local elected officials to convince both Verizon and the cable provider that we need these services for our businesses and those that work from their homes. After attending several meeting with the elected officials, I have found out that every resident and business in my area wants these services.

Knowing this information now, Verizon would have the upgrade paid for within a year (if everyone in the area doesn't sign up for service). What do we have to do to get the services we need?

By Kathryn (WPN reader) - Sun, 03/30/2008 - 11:25

rural highspeed

I just footed the bill to run cable to my home because it was the only way (besides satellite) that I could get high speed. Wonder if I can get a rebate?