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Task force tackling broadband issues
Published 11:39am Thursday, August 20, 2009Residents who have issues with receiving broadband are encouraged to speak to the Broadband Task Force when it meets in Fergus Falls Friday.
It’s surprising how many Otter Tail County residents are unable to receive broadband because they live in pockets, such as on a lake, on the end of a rural road or the phone or cable companies haven’t gotten there yet, task force member Peg Werner said. Yet there are some areas that have broadband available for all residents.
It’s a trend that is found throughout the state because broadband is sporadic in the state, Werner said.
Those who wish to discuss their issues and concerns, and also to discuss their Internet needs are invited to attend a public comment period with the task force from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Bigwood Events Center.
This is the third public meeting held by the task force. The task force has gotten good comments at the previous meetings held in Grand Rapids and Mankato, Werner said.
The task force has been charged by Gov. Tim Pawlenty to recommend how a state ultra-high speed broadband could be created. It’s been meeting for about a year, Werner said.
The task force is expected to meet from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Friday following the public comment period, when it will discuss some of the contentious issues, Werner said.
The issues to be discussed include the level of broadband service, including speed, policies and actions needed to achieve the goal and opportunities for the public and private sectors to participate in creating state-wide broadband.
The task force is leaning toward recommending private phone and cable companies be responsible for implementing the state-wide broadband.
Also planned is a Blandin Foundation broadband policy seminar from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, followed by a reception for the task force, sponsored by Park Region Telephone, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
