Staff: Midco broadband project under way; TV channel moving to online delivery

City staff told the East Bethel City Council on Aug. 25 that Midco began a site survey and has started a broadband project to deliver high-speed Internet to areas of low connectivity, and that the city’s channel carriage will move to Midco TV in an online format.

"Midco called us and was doing a site survey at the city here," staff said, and explained that the delivery model is shifting from traditional cable to an online-based Midco TV. Staff noted people who tune to cable channel 10 will see a change and offered help at City Hall for residents who need assistance logging in or finding the council livestream on Midco TV or YouTube.

Staff said Midco’s broadband work began on Briarwood Lane, near the property of a resident named Paul Johnson, and that the company has identified neighborhood locations with low connectivity to receive service. Staff said the city expects the broadband work to be completed before winter if possible and that the expanded connectivity will support the Midco TV transition.

The council did not take action on the update; staff encouraged residents with technical questions to contact the city for assistance.