Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
HOA orders removal of private broadband gear from county tower; vendors warn service losses for residents
Summary
County staff told the board that the Point Lookout Homeowners Association has demanded removal of private vendor equipment (Gigabeam, Alltel) from a county tower because the county easement does not allow private vendor gear; staff are seeking temporary mobile towers and working with providers after vendors indicated a May drop-dead date and an estimated ~50 affected customers.
County staff informed the board that a dispute with the Point Lookout Homeowners Association may remove privately mounted broadband equipment and temporarily interrupt service for local residents.
Staff said private providers (Gigabeam and Alltel) have installed equipment on a county tower in recent years; the HOA, citing the easement and complaints about vehicle traffic and maintenance access, demanded that private vendor equipment be removed. "Our easement does not allow us to put private vendor equipment up there," said Steve, the county's presenter, explaining the legal constraint and why the county cannot authorize third-party gear on that portion of the infrastructure.
Staff reported that vendors have given the county a May deadline and that providers have not yet supplied a firm count of affected customers; staff estimated somewhere near 50 subscribers could lose service and said they are working on interim solutions, including mobile towers and pinpointing affected addresses for targeted outreach.
Officials said they have attempted to negotiate with the HOA and have paid HOA fees and provided certificates of insurance, but the HOA chief counsel made a formal demand for removal. Staff said they will continue discussions with vendors to maintain service where possible and will notify affected residents as vendor data become available.
