Within the next month or two, a broadband feasibility study from a consultant, funded by the Vermilion County Board, should have some input on what needs to be done next to bring multiple choice broadband service to all of Vermilion County. It was just recently that a major telecommunications company announced the expansion of their broadband service to more Vermilion County rural areas. But as Vermilion Advantage CEO Mike Marron points out, what the Connect Vermilion Coalition really wants is broadband service everywhere, in which the consumers can choose from more than one company. Because just one choice, in Marron’s words, “can get kind of pricy.” He says what’s really needed is a combination of federal and state grant initiatives, and a willingness by broadband service providers to get this done.
AUDIO: It requires federal and state assistance because it is very expensive to build out the network; and some of the less densely populated areas of the county. And so, that federal and state assistance is really, really paramount to making is a feasible plan.
Tom Fricke from the Vermilion County Farm Bureau says from the farmer’s perspective, being connected to the rest of the world is more important than ever. This is not a ‘want,’ it’s a ‘must.’
AUDIO: Being able to have access to a variety of sources is what’s ultimately going to help level that playing field across the county. Being able to order parts, being able to check on your markets and sell your commodities through the internet, being able to access virtual medical services, and that sort of thing.
Fricke says if there was anything that taught all of us “how important reliable internet service was to a multitude of people,” it was the pandemic.
