To the Editor:

A public forum to address issues related to rural broadband Internet access was held at the Knox Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8.  The forum was a result of communications between the Knox Town Council and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara that began during the state budget process this past spring.

The purpose of the forum was to share information about the governor’s rural broadband expansion proposal, to hear from town and industry leaders about current efforts, and to gather input from the community to stake a claim for use of these funds for our area.  The panel was comprised of representatives from government agencies, the broadband industry, and business. 

It included Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Knox Supervisor Michael Hammond, Berne Supervisor Kevin Crosier, Knox Councilman Nick Viscio, Time Warner Cable Director of Government Relations John Mucha, General Manager of Hudson Valley Wireless Jason Guzzo, and Director of Government Relations from the Capital Region Chamber/Chamber of Schenectady County Tom O’Connor.

The audience, including members of local town councils, planning and zoning board members, nearly filled the meeting room to capacity. Also attending the forum was Peter Brodie of Senator George Amedore’s office;  Yochanan Bertos, Santabarbara’s deputy chief of staff; and Albany County Legislator Travis Stevens.    

Mr. Viscio opened and moderated the discussion with a brief historical perspective on the development of Internet access since he chaired the Hilltown Cable Advisory Committee in 1990, which initiated the original installation.  At that time, the town of Knox negotiated a minimum of 12 homes per cable mile for free installation by Capital Cablevision.

Since the town’s franchise has not been renewed, the line extension policy with Time Warner Cable has remained the same, which is the lowest minimum in the Capital Region and beyond.  Councilman Viscio also explained that, at that time, the service was strictly cable television, as Internet as we know it today didn’t exist.           

Crosier described how town of Berne funds are being used to help residents defray some of the costs of installing cable to an area of Woodstock Road.  Using that example, Mr. Viscio has proposed a similar initiative for Knox residents in this year’s tentative budget.

The proposal will utilize a portion of the funds received from the town-owned cell tower and franchise revenue from Time Warner Cable. The proposed method of distribution of these funds will be similar to what is currently done in the town of Berne, where residents organize to develop a proposal with the Internet provider, seeking assistance for a portion of the cost of the extension. Specific details for the grant application would be developed by the town board.

Mr. Viscio said, “I believe we need to take a step forward today for our community, and to demonstrate our serious commitment to this important need.”

Mr. Crosier encouraged Hilltown residents to make their needs known, and to participate in helping to extend coverage to rural areas.  He said they can ask Time Warner Cable for free “design build” cost estimates to get the process started.  When a group of households along a stretch of road knows how much money is needed, the towns can then work with them to help finance some of the cost for each family.

Mr. Mucha explained some of the costs Time Warner Cable encounters when it extends lines, such as having to replace poles or move lines.  The company also makes ongoing lease payments for space on the poles.

He said, “It could cost as much as $45,000 to replace three poles.  Sometimes it costs less to bury the cable underground.”  

Tom O’Connor stated that a New York State Request for Information has been released, and comments from the public are being accepted regarding the proposed merger of Time Warner Cable with Charter Communications.  Mr. O’Connor said the Capital District Chamber supports the merger, as it would bring more access to rural areas, which would make the region more attractive and competitive for growth and prosperity.

He said, “If it is a good area for people to work, live, and play, our kids will want to stay and settle here.”     

Mr. Mucha said that Time Warner Cable will supply maps of the company’s existing coverage to each town.  Citizens may request them from their respective towns.

On the same topic of coverage, Jason Guzzo of Hudson Valley Wireless described its Internet offering, saying that its fixed wireless service from cell towers or fiber-optic network is held to the same performance standards as Time Warner Cable.  He described its pricing as competitive and a practical alternative for remote areas where cable access is a great distance away.

Peter Brodie, of Amedore’s office, emphasized the importance of obtaining specific information regarding the needs of the Hilltowns, encouraging everyone to respond to the senator’s recent letter to residents on the topic.

Assemblyman Santabarbara said he is pushing legislation for a state tax deduction for cable installation costs. That would help offset some of the burden for rural families. Mr. Santabarbara said, “Preliminary planning is being done now for use of the money.  Our state representatives need support from towns and citizens to express their interest and need for expanded broadband access.  The squeaky wheels get the service.”

Amy Lauterbach Pokorny

Knox

Editor’s note: Amy Lauterbach Pokorny is a member of the Knox Town Board who attended the forum.