Carroll commissioners seek providers for underserved broadband areas

Carroll County commissioners moved forward with the next phase of the county’s broadband expansion efforts during their May 21 meeting, approving a request for proposals aimed at serving the remaining underserved and unserved areas of the county.

Commissioner Chris Modranski said the county has been working for several years on the Appalachian Regional Commission broadband grant project and recently received approval at both the federal and state levels to move ahead with the proposal process.

“We finally got the green light from the federal level and state level to issue out an RFP,” Modranski said.

Using county mapping data and internet speed testing, commissioners displayed how broadband coverage has improved since 2023 through a combination of state and federal grant programs and private investment. Clerk Melissa Schaar put slides on the screen for viewers to see the maps and data.

Modranski said the county originally had widespread service gaps but has seen major improvements through programs such as the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and local expansion efforts by providers including Spectrum and Pattersonville Telephone Co.

Officials said only 236 “hexes,” or small geographic service areas, remain underserved or unserved without existing funding commitments. Some hexes may contain several homes while others may include only one residence.

The approved RFP will seek qualified internet service providers for the county’s Pride Phoenix broadband project. Notices of intent are due June 3, while full proposals are due July 1.

Modranski said multiple providers may ultimately participate in the project by selecting service areas within the county.

“We’ll have multiple internet service providers picking up different hexes in their area,” he said.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner said the county has made significant progress compared to conditions several years ago.

“When I became commissioner, the broadband was an absolute disaster in the county,” Wirkner said. “It’s satisfying to see that we’ve reached the point where we’re now down to hexes rather than entire townships.”

In other business, commissioners:

—PAID bills totaling $48,465.81.

—APPROVED a special hauling permit bond for Irish Creek Logging LLC for hauling on Ascot Road in Center Township after a required $25,000 bond was provided.

—HEARD a report from Public Defender Steve Kandel, who reported 44 cases and $32,163.56 in expenditures for January and 36 cases with $26,006.72 in expenditures for February.