Roanoke Valley Broadband authority (Salem: prices, residential, area)

[cam4vt]

Seems like our area governments can not get on the same page time when it comes to better/cheaper fiber optic networks in the Roanoke valley. With the cities already in, but the counties still thinking it through. Do you guys think Roanoke/Salem area needs this government built cable to get more options around here or do you think cox/comcast/verizon is putting enough effort in to overcome the "broadband donut hole" in the area?

Here is a recent article in the Roanoke times about the authority.

Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority, Internet providers disagree on state of broadband - Roanoke Times: Roanoke News

[roanoker 4]

If the local providers aren't doing enough to provide service then the local governments have no choice but to pay for it. I believe there are laws which govern how cox, verizon, comcast must operate. This sounds like a lawsuit. After all, we are talking about future jobs which won't come here if we are not competitive. Bringing new jobs here should be everyones' Top Priority.
Roanoke & Botetourt Counties seem to be in a constant state of Amnesia When it comes to these isssues.

[cam4vt]

Originally Posted by roanoker 4

If the local providers aren't doing enough to provide service then the local governments have no choice but to pay for it. I believe there are laws which govern how cox, verizon, comcast must operate. This sounds like a lawsuit. After all, we are talking about future jobs which won't come here if we are not competitive. Bringing new jobs here should be everyones' Top Priority.
Roanoke & Botetourt Counties seem to be in a constant state of Amnesia When it comes to these isssues.

Well I know Cox is in the process of bringing 1 Gigabit service to residential in the next couple years, but the price is my concern. I think our speeds will get there as it seems the companies are trying. But they want way too much for what we get IMO. So I say bring the new line and drop those prices!

[Kreutz]

Originally Posted by roanoker 4

If the local providers aren't doing enough to provide service then the local governments have no choice but to pay for it. I believe there are laws which govern how cox, verizon, comcast must operate. This sounds like a lawsuit. After all, we are talking about future jobs which won't come here if we are not competitive. Bringing new jobs here should be everyones' Top Priority.
Roanoke & Botetourt Counties seem to be in a constant state of Amnesia When it comes to these isssues.

It is not the responsibility of county taxpayers to subsidize these cables.

If there is demand for them it will be met by the market.