Broadband: Irony, stars, and ignorance
To the Editor;
The irony is not that technology has finally caught up with Piscataquis County (Irony in the Stars, Piscataquis Observer, April 15, 2022), it is that Mr. Torbett and his fellow commissioners have not caught up with technology.
Here in Piscataquis County, the only controversy–confusion really–over a recent internet study by Piscataquis County Economic Council (PCEDC) is in the minds of our commissioners. PCEDC contracted with an experienced consultant to document current internet service here and make an estimate of providing broadband access throughout the county.
Broadband is a term used to describe the high-speed standard for connecting internet users, devices, and applications. Some have it, most don’t. For a limited time, money is available to help change that. But, we have to ask for it.
There are few choices for reliable broadband: coaxial cable and fiber optic cable. Fiber lasts forever and supports all we need today and applications of tomorrow.
As for the stars, several individuals in Piscataquis are beta testing a new low earth satellite (LEO) service, StarLink. It has potential, but is not ready for prime time. Customers must be pre-approved to participate and have skills to assemble and install equipment. Initial cost is $550 plus a $110 monthly fee.
Wireless technology has its place. Smart phones and fixed wireless are very expensive for the limited internet access offered. However, for many families, farms, and businesses in our county there is no other choice. They must pay a high price for poor connections affected by signal strength, electrical noise, weather, and location. And, once the monthly data cap is reached, connect speed is throttled: no streaming, no browsing, no Zooming.
Broadband is about Piscataquis County getting into the 21st century where the economy and the very existence of communities is going to depend on communication tools that are fast, ubiquitous, scalable, affordable, secure, and people know how to use them.
Bill Welsh
Sebec