Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2018 10:06:08 -0400
From: Carol Phillips
Subject: Internet in rural Chatham ~
Every few months, the issue of poor internet service in rural areas comes up on the Chatlist. It has been a national issue for more than ten years–the stimulus package of 2008 was suppose to contain funds to provide rural internet service. Like so many other issues, despite the outcries, nothing is done. sigh
The disparity in access to reliable, hi-speed internet causes greater problems than inconvenience–it widens the cultural and knowledge gap between rural and urban populations at a time when we need the divisions in our county (and country) to lessen. Centur Link’s plan to provide hi-speed internet in Chatham Park, and apparently nowhere else, will only increase the resentment many have towards the development. <br>
That said, there is an alternative to CenturyLink and satellite internet, at least in Western Chatham — Randolph Telephone Telecommunications.
They currently provide service in the southwest part of the county (with good reviews) and are starting service in the Silk Hope area. All that they need to proceed are enough applications/contracts in a given area to ensure their return on investment.
When I asked people along the routes to my house, I found that many people don’t use Internet and others didn’t want to sign a contract before the service would be provided. I don’t know if emphasizing RTTI’s TV service would have helped.
I think the only answer is for internet access to be considered a public utility, even with the inherent problems that designation will bring.