Broadband Internet For Small
Communities of Northeast Texas?

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

 

Do you live down a quaint country road, where your only internet choice is "dial-up"? Well, that may not be the "wave" of the future, if ATCOG Council of Governments gets their grant approved for bring high speed broadband internet to more remote areas of Northeast Texas. ATCOG personell were guests at a meeting at the Sulphur Springs Public Library, to answer questions about a $35-40 million dollar grant they have applied for, to bring the service to the 10 county area serviced in Northeast Texas.

ATCOG has applied for the grant under the U.S. Commerce Department, American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009, and must have their grant proposal submitted by March 26, 2010. "This will open up opportunities for business, schools, and individual users all across Northeast Texas," explained State Representative Mark Homer. "This is a clear example, like rural electrification and farm to market roads in the 1930's, that government is able to bring services to the populace, by using funds that will enhance the infrastructure of the system. It's an opportunity for almost everyone to have the capabilities for access to broadband internet!"

 

 

 

ATCOG was asking for both monetary and confirmation support, at their meeting on Tuesday. "We must obtain $1 million in matching funds to fund the project and we're appealing to Economic Development Organizations and private business in the 10 county area that will be serviced," expressed David Jones, GIS Planner. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get government help in funding this technological advancement, and we've got to act quickly!"

The large crowd of Hopkins County citizens, Tuesday, were also told to write to lend their support for the project, even if they couldn't support the project financially. "This will open doors for education, business, and all kinds of opportunties," expressed Jones. "We need you to send letter of support for the project being included in Northeast Texas!

 

 

 

 

A sample letter follows for you to send in your support:

 

<Date>                                          - SAMPLE LE

 

 

Mr. L. D. Williamson

Executive Director

Ark-Tex Council of Governments

P. O. Box 5307

Texarkana, TX  75503

 

Re: Letter of Support for ATCOG Broadband Initiative

 

Dear Mr. Williamson:

 

I am in support of the application by Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) for broadband initiatives established pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. I am aware that ATCOG seeks to provide the "middle mile" for high speed connectivity to remote, un-served and underserved areas of the ten-county region.  Broadband infrastructure capacity, connectivity and services at rural health clinics, remote public schools, public computer centers, emergency facilities, libraries, rural workforce development offices, community centers and senior centers and in mobile ambulances will become more accessible if this grant is awarded.

 

Rural and underserved citizens in the ATCOG region will gain faster and less expensive access to electronic news, weather, and medical and emergency services information.  Having access to weather and traffic information during severe weather events will help safeguard lives.  Ambulances with mobile data capability will do the same.  Also, students will be better prepared for the job market with access to the internet.  New markets will be opened up to our citizens for the exchange of goods and information; therefore, businesses will be in better positions to compete for jobs globally. If they decide to participate, local governments and schools who use this service will see reduced costs and more capacity.

 

Short and long term job growth will be possible.  Fiber installation jobs in the short term and new economic development opportunities for long term growth can be realized when the regional fiber and wireless network is operational.  Generally, the quality of life in the ATCOG remote, un-served and underserved areas will increase as a result of grant funding for this shovel-ready project.

 

I fully support the application for funding identified through the National Telecommunications Infrastructure Administration (NTIA).  ATCOG has a 40-year history of successful implementation of regional initiatives, and I believe that < YOUR ENTITY > will be interested in obtaining services through ATCOG's network.  If fully funded, this project will be a prominent mark in ATCOG’s track record.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Please submit you letters by March 20, 2010, so that this gran application can be submitted.

 

________<your t

 

itle>