Sullivan County Approves 10-Year Broadband Expansion Plan
Sullivan County Secures $30 Million to Bridge Digital Divide with High-Speed Internet
Sullivan County, NY – Residents of Sullivan County are one step closer to reliable, high-speed internet access thanks to a nearly $30 million grant and a new public-private partnership. On December 5, the Sullivan County Legislature held a public hearing to approve a ten-year agreement with Archtop Fiber, paving the way for a major broadband expansion project.
The project, fueled by the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program, aims to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas throughout the county.“This is a game-changer for Sullivan County,” said Lorne Green,Sullivan County commissioner of details technology services,who spearheaded the grant submission. “Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, economic progress, and everyday life.”
archtop Fiber, a Kingston-based company investing hundreds of millions of dollars in broadband infrastructure across the Hudson Valley, will be the primary partner in the project. The agreement allows Sullivan County to own the infrastructure, while archtop Fiber and Hudson Valley Wireless will serve as internet service providers.
The ambitious plan includes the construction of 253 miles of fiber optic cable and a new dialog tower, supplementing the county’s existing 11 towers. This expanded network will not only deliver fiber optic internet to homes and businesses but also connect the county’s emergency communication system to Archtop’s network. This will enable wireless broadband service to reach remote areas that are otherwise difficult or expensive to connect with fiber.
“This project is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Green. “By working together, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure that all residents of Sullivan County have access to the opportunities that come with high-speed internet.”
Bridging the Gap: An Interview with Sullivan County’s Tech Leader
NewsDirectory3: Lorne green, Sullivan County Commissioner of Digital Technology Services, congratulations on securing this considerable grant for broadband expansion. this is a huge win for the county.
Lorne Green: Thank you. This is truly a game-changer for Sullivan County. Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury; it’s essential for education, healthcare, economic growth, and just everyday life.
NewsDirectory3: Can you elaborate on the project’s scope and how it will impact residents?
Lorne Green: This project, funded by the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program, will see the construction of 253 miles of fiber optic cable and a new dialogue tower, supplementing our existing 11 towers. This expanded network will bring fiber optic internet to homes and businesses across the county, even those in remote areas that are difficult to reach with traditional infrastructure.
NewsDirectory3: And the project will also benefit the county’s emergency communication system?
Lorne Green: Absolutely. We’ll be connecting our emergency communication system to Archtop Fiber’s network, enabling wireless broadband service in those hard-to-reach areas. This will significantly enhance our ability to respond effectively to emergencies and ensure public safety.
NewsDirectory3: How crucial was the partnership with Archtop Fiber in securing this grant?
Lorne green: This project wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration with Archtop Fiber, a leading provider of broadband infrastructure in the Hudson Valley.Their expertise and investment will be instrumental in building and maintaining this critical network.
NewsDirectory3: this project marks a notable step in bridging the digital divide in Sullivan County. What’s your message to residents?
Lorne Green: We are committed to ensuring that all residents have access to the opportunities that come with high-speed internet.This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and our dedication to building a brighter future for Sullivan County.