Commission urges broadband providers to return with proof of service to address remaining unserved roads
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Summary
Commissioners requested that cable and internet providers return for a March update showing where they have met contract obligations and to clarify which roads remain unserved; members raised concerns that some contracted work was not completed and asked the state to audit provider claims.
Several commissioners urged county staff to invite broadband and cable providers back to a March meeting to report on progress serving unserved customers. Speaker 1 said the county had previously narrowed the coverage gap but that many roads listed in the grant application remained unserved. "We narrowed the gap. We improved our service in our county significantly. ... But there's still a lot of customers out there," the speaker said.
Commissioners asked providers to bring documentation that they fulfilled the roads and locations identified in the census-based list underlying grant contracts. Speaker 2 and others raised concerns that contractors—named during discussion as Spectrum, BGC and WebExcel—had not completed all work required by contracts for Spring City and other areas. One commissioner said he has asked the state to audit both companies to verify whether contractual obligations were met.
Commissioners asked staff to schedule provider updates, and to explore additional grant opportunities to close remaining gaps if providers identify areas that remain unserved or underserved. No formal action was taken during the workshop.