Scott County, Minnesota and the surrounding areas are expected to have high speed internet service by early May, reports SW News Media. Approximately 2,400 households who currently lack reliable broadband access will soon receive internet capable of 30 Mbps. A cost sharing program will make it possible for residents in Louisville, Jackson, and Spring Lake townships, the southwestern portion of Shakopee, and eastern portion of Sand Creek to connect.
With a recent vote, the Scott County Board of Commissioners entered into an agreement with Access Network, Inc, and subsidiary Netwave Broadband. The agreement will allow Netwave Broadband to install equipment on existing county-owned towers. The outreach will extend WiFi access in underserved areas across the county. Each tower is expected to cost $105,000, a cost that will be split three ways between the county, the townships, and Access Network.
The coronavirus crisis has emphasized the importance of a good internet connection, prompting Scott County to move the project along as quickly as possible. Cindy Geis, Community Services Director, noted that although a project of this scope typically takes up to six months to complete, the project should be completed in less than five weeks. “We as the county have, in my mind, a responsibility that if we can get them service, we need to help do that,” said Geis.
“I look at it a little bit like electricity nowadays, this internet stuff,” Commissioner Tom Wolf said. “People have to have it.”
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