BROADBAND UPDATE - Miryam Williamson 

The broadband equipment is live on Mt. Grace and in testing mode in some
town buildings. Over the next few months we will add service from the
cell tower off 78 and hook up a few more testers. Remaining town
buildings will also be connected.
 
David Young (544-6315) is keeping list of interested future subscribers.
If you phone, be prepared to leave a message.

We estimate that initial cost will be $400 for equipment and $100 for
installation. The town will not make a profit on the equipment.
Initially, the monthly fee will be $50, which is comparable to the low
end of satellite service but much faster for both uploads and downloads.
In time we will probably add a higher rate for even faster service, and
possibly a lower rate for those content with slower service. Those
decisions, however, remain to be made.
 
People whose homes are surrounded by trees and who are inclined to be
cautious may want to wait til summer. We think leaves will not cause
interference, but we can't promise.  The town cannot buy back equipment,
although individuals who can't get the signal in the summer will
probably be able to find a buyer (you'd be able to advertise it on The L
and, presumably, on the town web site).
 
The May annual town meeting will be asked to approve an enterprise fund
to receive monthly payments and pay expenses so that no tax money will
be involved and there will be no impact on the budget or tax rate. Until
July 1, fees and expenses will be handled through a temporary donation
account under the oversight of the town treasurer and accountant.