To the editor:
In The County, we believe in coming up with commonsense solutions to solve our problems in a collaborative and efficient way, and it’s no secret — access to reliable, high-speed internet is a major problem up here.
I’m grateful the city of Caribou has spent time finding ways to be sure every one of our neighbors’ homes and businesses has access to high-speed internet.
The [Caribou City] Council is considering two options to connect our neighbors. One approach would have Caribou build a network from scratch, which would cost taxpayers up to $1.5 million. The other would involve the city partnering with an experienced internet service provider to expand its existing network to the remaining unserved households for one-third of the cost.
By working with an experienced provider, taxpayers will save money and unconnected residents will have access to broadband within 12 to 18 months of permits. The more expensive option has no guaranteed completion date.
We should be investing in the cost-effective proposal that will connect Caribou in the most efficient timeframe. In times like these, we need to stretch our dollar as far as it can go so we are still able to invest in critical community services like education, child care, public safety, roads and parks.
We can’t afford to wait. Join me in asking the council to connect all of Caribou in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Jordyn Rossignol
Director, Miss Jordyn’s Child Development Center
Caribou
