January 11, 2012 Minutes

The Halifax Broadband Committee was called to order at 6:31pm Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Halifax Town Office. Present were committee members Edee Edwards, Earl Holtz, Gretchen Becker, Curtis Carroll and Jessica Bruno. Members of the public present were Margo Avakian, and Jenepher Burnell.

Becker moved and Carroll seconded that the minutes of the December 14, 2011 meeting be approved as written, and the motion passed 5-0-0.

New Business:

Jenepher Burnell was appointed to the Windham Regional Commission for Whitingham and was asked to check broadband availability as an issue. The Halifax Broadband Committee informed Ms. Burnell of the grants currently available, the obstacles we’ve faced, and the steps we’ve taken as a Committee to gather information from citizens.

Carroll reported that CVPS and VTel are working together to implement smart grid technology. He also reported that the State has streamlined the process for fiber and will find out more about form 470.

Edwards reported that she has had contact with H. Hammarquist via e-mail. He has reported to her that he has an AT&T 4G mobile hotspot and uses it on Jacksonville Stage Rd. He reported that it works in 4G 90% of the time. When in 4G he gets 4 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speeds. It costs $50/mo for data up to 5 Gb/mo and $10 for every Mb over. The unit is $128. The Committee will look into finding out more about mobile hotspots.

Changes to WildBlue satellite plans were discussed. Bruno brought a chart of HughesNet pricing and plans for comparison purposes.

The town meeting presentation was discussed. It was agreed that we should a presentation of survey results and a comparison chart of what services are available now. Holtz will send us up to date charts.

Edwards inquired whether there was an interest to get an article or non-binding interest to support broadband in Halifax. There was discussion whether this would be wise at this time as we only can estimate dollar amounts.

Holtz reported he has had no contact from Great Auk.

Edwards and Carroll will swap vendors- Edwards will take VTel and Carroll will take Sovernet.

Agenda items for the next meeting October 12, 2011:

-Prepare for town meeting

-Look at slides to use as handouts

Holtz moved and Carroll seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:06pm and the motion passed 5-0-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Jessica Bruno