December date announced for wireless internet availability in Charles City

Charles City supervisors and representatives of the SCS Broadband project announce a December target date for wireless internet in the county.

Andre' Jones photo

Ever since the awarding of a $600,000 grant for a high-speed broadband initiative, Charles City constituents have asked the question of when internet access will be available to their homes and throughout the county. A firm answer to that question was received during Charles City’s Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 28.

County Planning Director Matthew Rowe announced the county’s partnership with SCS Broadband as the provider of wireless internet services to citizens of Charles City. Completion of the project is expected to be by the end of the year and as early as mid-December.

“This is a tremendous step to provide internet access to residences, schools, and home-based businesses throughout the county,” Rowe said.

The eight-year-old company based out of Arrington, Va., made a presentation to supervisors on specs and presented a timeframe when service will be up and running.

“I feel coverage will be very strong in this county,” said Lom Whelchel, project engineer. “Based on the other areas we’ve worked in before, this area has a lot of flat land which is good for the network to provide access to citizens.”

Project work is already underway as eight miles of underground dark fiber is being run towards Roxbury Industrial Park. Two towers are also being constructed, with one at the industrial park and a second behind Ruthville High School. A third tower located behind the county’s courthouse will also be used to complete the triangulation process.

Board of Supervisors’ chairman Gilbert Smith yielded to the audience for a brief question and answer period on the service, prompting citizens to ask the inquiries that most wanted to know.

“What is the radius of the coverage from the towers?” asked Jack Miniclier.

“It will be at a minimum 10-12 miles,” responded Clay Stewart, owner of SCS communications. “We expect it to be greater than that because of how flat this county is.

“You also have towers that are higher than others,” he continued. “That will give more people access from the main tower, but we will also have community relays as well.”

“What is the starting cost of the packages?” questioned Wayne Orrell.

“Our lowest speed package is about $39 a month,” responded Whelchel. “We are very sensitive to pricing in the market even though there are no competitors in the area.”

“There is a $200 installation fee for equipment,” chimed in Stewart. “However, we guarantee our equipment and will come out to replace it for free.”

After the meeting, Rowe said the county would establish get-togethers for citizens to come out and ask more questions about the company and the services they can provide.

“We are going to schedule meetings in mid-November so that residents can come out to learn more of what [SCS Broadband] has to offer,” the planning director said. “The towers and conduit have arrived and we expect everything up and running and operational.

“I expect that the majority of citizens within the county will have internet access with the proper equipment and infrastructure,” Rowe concluded.

Citizens who are inquiring about services are asked to visit www.scsbroadband.com and sign-up for information.

“By signing up, it will give us a clear understanding on what areas are asking for services the most,” Stewart concluded.