At their Dec. 7 regular meeting, Granville County Commissioners received an update on the progress of the Open Broadband Initiative and approved a Wi-Fi agreement with Open Broadband, LLC. Contracted in 2019, Open Broadband has been working with Granville County Government to develop preliminary plans to expand internet service in unserved and underserved communities.
Identified to host broadband equipment for individual paid subscription-based services have been the Wilton Tower in Wilton and the Oak Hill Tower in the northern part of the County, which was the first identified need in 2019. Following a lengthy plan review process, engineers conducted a structural analysis of the Oak Hill Tower and developed construction drafts. With final approval and permitting this past November, equipment has now been delivered and Open Broadband is in the process of scheduling installation dates and tower climbers in that area. After a brief testing period, Open Broadband will reach out to Oak Hill residents who are on their wait list to notify them of service availability.
In Wilton, an engineering consultant has begun work on a structural analysis of that tower’s capacity to support broadband equipment. Revised construction drawings for the site will follow completion of the analysis.
Projects at the Oak Hill Tower and at the Wilton Tower will continue the focus on improving broadband access in the County. The network build is expected to take place over a four-year time period, with Open Broadband working on two new “sectors” each year. Those interested in being added to the Open Broadband contact list for newsletters and service requests should contact Open Broadband LLC at 919-205-5400 or visit openbb.net. Updates are also available at www.granvillecounty.org/Broadband.
Installation of Wi-Fi “hot spot” services has now been completed at the Expo and Convention Center on Highway 15 South in Oxford, enabling internet access in the building and in areas of the parking lot. Installation at the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) on Belltown Road is scheduled for completion by the end of 2020. Coverage will include field spectator areas, the covered area at the concession stand and the new tennis courts/playground area currently under construction (Phase III) at the recreational park.
A Wi-Fi “hot spot” map is now available on the Granville County Government website at www.granvillecounty.org.