Charles City broadband expects to trickle in beginning in November

Charles City supervisors received an update on access to high-speed internet for county residents during their Sept. 27 regular meeting.

SCS Broadband representative Lon Welcher appeared by request in front of county leaders to address concerns about ongoing delays in the project, which had high expectations for completion in Dec. 2015.

“The equipment has been installed and now companies will run internet to the towers,” the spokesman said. “We already have 200 people who signed up so far.”

Welcher said he hopes access to the internet will be available on Nov. 3, but when District 2 supervisor Bill Coada asked when he thinks citizens would have access, the timeline expanded.

“After the activation of the first tower, it will take anywhere from 30-60 days for the second one to activate,” Welcher said. “I hope those capable of having access will have it within five months.”

The representative also said that the towers would not reach everybody in the county. The trickle effect of the activation will begin with a tower located in the Roxbury area of the county.

Welcher concluded the night by confirming that equipment and installation will cost $198 as part of the setup. Plans vary in pricing from $35-$115 for county residents, according to the company’s website.