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By Kevin Allen
Rappahannock News
Staff Writer
IF residents in Rappahannock County want wireless, broadband Internet service, they need to come forward and say so,
That was the main message Monday from Virginia Broadband representatives, who attended the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors meeting to explain what would be involved if the county enters into a public-private partnership with the Culpeperbased company.
“We need to hear from the community’’ said Allen Tbliaferro, director of business development at VABB “We need people to come forward and say ‘Yes, well use your service.’ “
Company representatives need to know that a customer base for broadband service really does exist in Rappahannock, and they need to know where those potential customers live.
Taliaferro encouraged people to visit www.vabb. com to register.
A credit card number is required to register, and that did not sit well with some audience members at the meeting. But VABB President and CEO Warren Manuel said no one will be charged until they are receiving the service. If a person registers but decides not to buy the service, their credit card will not be charged, Manuel said
Taliaferro described a system for Rappahannock that would initially include seven facilities that would provide service. He said the company will seek assistance from the county’s Broadband Initiative committee to determine the best spots for the facilities, w hich will consist of a small microwave dish mounted on a wooden pole, silo or similar high location.
A second phase of facilities could be implemented later to fill in any gaps in service.
The Rappahannock News initially reported that VABB service would not be available in Amissville and Chester Gap, where Comcast Digital Wireless service is already available. Taliaferro said that is not correct; VABB service could be available to all areas of the county
The total cost of developing the system will be $473,091, Taliaferro said. VABB will ask the county to issue a five-year industrial development bond for installing the facilities. The company will pay back the bond at an accelerating rate each year, Taliaferro said.
If the county government and public schools subscribe to VABB service.
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