Court approves two‑phase Starlink internet rollout at Fish Pond to boost Wi‑Fi, cellphone coverage

Fletcher County Fiscal Court on July 21 approved a two‑phase installation of Starlink internet at Fish Pond that county officials said will provide Wi‑Fi calling and broadband service for picnic, caretaker and campground areas. The presenter said Phase 1 — covering the picnic area, the caretaker’s residence and the dam site — carries an installation cost presented to the court as $7,927 and would use an existing power connection at the picnic structure. He said the recurring monthly cost for the caretaker’s telephone and internet is currently about $140–$150, and that the county’s recurring annual service cost for the new installation would be about $1,800. “The cost of the project there, project cost us, dollars 7,927 for this phase 1,” he said. Phase 2 would extend coverage to the RV and campground area and cover more of the lake; the presenter described additional pole, transmitter and antenna equipment needed to broadcast across the lake and said Phase 2 would cover “a good part of the lake” when installed. Officials and county members emphasized safety as a primary benefit — enabling Wi‑Fi calling for users who might otherwise lack cell service — and noted tourist and economic benefits such as enabling food trucks and allowing camping visitors to work remotely. One official noted the system can be throttled in low‑demand months to reduce recurring cost. The court approved proceeding with both phases and completed a roll call in favor of the motion. Staff will work with Eastern Telephone (the local provider presenting the plan) and handle installation scheduling and procurement; the court did not approve an ordinance or attach a funding appropriation in the July 21 vote, but authorized staff to proceed with the project steps discussed.