The need for improved high-speed internet access in the NEK
Today (Dec 22) I attended a meeting at the Jay Peak Ski and Summer Resort about the North-Link project. If completed, this fiber-optic line will, among other benefits, serve as a conduit for local internet providers, and providers across Northern Vermont, to improve the Internet coverage region for high speed internet access. The people involved in this project hope that the local legislators will work with them to make it become reality.
There is little doubt that the key to a healthy business future in this region rests upon access to high speed internet access. Local high-speed internet service is currently spotty at best. Even my business, the Northland Journal, relies heavily on the ability to have some form of high speed internet access. The sad fact of life for me is that I live just out of reach of a couple good sources of cable fed high speed internet providers. Thankfully the Wild Blue satellite internet system has become reality. No, the system isn’t perfect, and it isn’t as fast a regular high speed internet, but it is “far” faster than dial-up internet. Wild Blue is a great alternative when no other form of high speed internet services are realistically available.
I was, however, a bit bothered by the remarks of one of the speakers at the meeting. In a private conversation he seemed critical of any form of internet system that wasn’t what he was offering. Although I am glad that he would benefit greatly from the North-link project, I worry when I hear one business owner trash another to build their product up. I prefer to hear the merits of each product and technological services. If we are going to provide high speed internet to all the people who want it or need it in rural Vermont, I believe that we will need to rely on a number of technologies, not just one.
In the future, I would like to see a public meeting designated to looking at the future of internet in the region – not just one form. For example, in addition to North-Link and the couple local internet providers invited to this meeting, I would like to see the other local internet providers invited to share their thoughts, to discuss their technology, and to talk about the future of their technology in the region – providers such as Verizon, Adelphia, Comcast (formerly Adlephia), and the local Wild Blue satellite distributors. In addition, I’d like to hear the concerns and needs of area business people and residents when it relates to internet access. I think each form of internet service will provide a piece of the puzzle in providing high speed internet to the people of this rural part of the world.