The Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority is accepting network extension requests from private broadband service providers. Feedback forms are available at https://esvba.com/network-extension-request-announcement and due by 5pm on May 4th, 2017.
Bloxom, VA (April 25, 2017) – Private broadband service providers are invited to add their voice to the regional network’s extension planning process. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority has posted a Network Extension Request Form to their website and is asking both existing partners and potential new broadband service providers to advise where they would like to see the next network extension built.
The ESVBA Board of Directors voted to accept extension requests at its March 16th meeting. Forms are due on or before May 4th, 2017. Requests will be evaluated and ranked based upon each service provider’s committed monthly revenue to ESVBA, estimated capital expenditure, number of customers that can be served, and equitable positive impact between both Northampton and Accomack counties.
“We take seriously our commitment to build a world class fiber optic backbone infrastructure on the Eastern Shore and are looking maximize the positive impact on residents for years to come,” Executive Director Nicholas Pascaretti said. “In the ongoing effort to assist private sector service providers, the ESVBA is asking for their input for potential extensions of the ESVBA network to bring the best possible service to the largest possible audience.”
The ESVBA is not accepting requests from private citizens at this time but does encourage individuals to speak with their individual internet service providers to communicate their desire for expanded service. All requests will be subject to ESVBA’s capital program approval and ESVBA reserves the right to reject any and all requests.
“With the addition of this new collaborative planning process, we are looking forward to considering a variety of innovative and pragmatic proposals. The goal is to provide greater transparency into the process, and to ensure we have as many industry experts as possible weigh in on the best way to build and maintain world-class broadband connectivity for all the residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore,” Robert Bridgham, Director of Engineering, Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority said.
The Eastern Shore fiber network currently consists of several hundred miles of fiber. Start up investment from the both Accomack and Northampton Counties was used to fund the initial network build out but was paid back to taxpayers in full by the fall of 2015. Now, 100% self-sustaining, the ESVBA’s next network expansion project will be funded in its entirety through the responsible reinvestment of customer operating fees. The ESVBA continues to remain dedicated to improving broadband connectivity for all residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
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I suggest the fiber optic system should serve groups of people in developments first. Several exit outside of Belle Haven going West