Grayson County outlines plan to expand broadband and 9-1-1 radio coverage; towers, grants and temporary fixes detailed

Tom, a county staff member, told the Grayson County Board of Supervisors that the county is moving forward with a combined broadband and 9‑1‑1 radio project intended to expand first‑responder radio and paging coverage and improve phone and internet service across much of the county. The presentation covered vendor negotiations, proposed tower sites, grant funding and a target schedule for equipment installation.

The project’s core goal is to install and operate a new 9‑1‑1 first‑responder radio and paging system and to improve wireless and internet service “in the western half of the county,” Tom said. The county intends to deploy new radio equipment on multiple towers and to work with broadband vendors to extend fiber and last‑mile service. Tom said the county is purchasing about $1.6 million in new radio equipment; tax‑exempt bonds previously approved will cover part of the equipment purchase.

Why it matters: improved 9‑1‑1 radio coverage and expanded broadband affect emergency response, public safety and everyday connectivity for rural households. County officials tied the tower and equipment work to both federal grants and local funds, and outlined interim steps where full buildout will take longer.

Key vendors and funding

Tom reported the county is working with several broadband providers. Citizens Co‑op (from Floyd County) has fiber down Main Street and is positioned to connect roughly 200 households in eastern portions of the county if customers sign up. SkyBest, a North Carolina cooperative, has backbone fiber…