Two Meetings On Improving Rural Broadband Access In Frederick County To Take Place

Both are free and open to the public.Frederick, Md (KM) The topic of improving broadband access into rural areas in Frederick County will be addressed at two upcoming public meetings. They will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at the Urbana Regional Library at 9020 Amelung Street; and on Tuesday, July 1st at the Middletown Branch Library at 41 East Green Street. Both meetings begin at 6:00 PM, and are open to the public; no pre-registration is required.The meetings will address grant opportunities, service availability, costs, timelines and construction. Two Frederick County Government officials will be on hand as well as representatives from COMCAST and Shentel. (Shenandoah Telecommunications Company)Frederick County’s Manager of IT Broadband and Enterprise Project Management, Jeff Chamberlain, will present information on the county’s role in providing broadband opportunities.  Mike Simons, the County’s Grant Manager, will provide details on specific locations covered by multiple grants The public will have an opportunities to ask questions of Chamberlain and Simons, along with representatives from COMCAST and Shentel.”These grants aim to help Internet Service Providers to offer high speed internet to rural homes, currently underserved due to their distance from existing services lines,” Chamberlain said in a statement. “The goal of the upcoming meetings is to ensure eligible residents have the resources they need to benefit from improved broadband services.”By Kevin McManus