To the Editor:

Altamont and “beyond” should have affordable broadband.

We currently do not have any decent choices of reliable broadband that is not overpriced, where prices are dictated by how much the market will bear instead of based on competitive pricing.

Fiber was promised but never delivered by the existing huge firms.

So why not get a community-based and supported system? We could get huge increases in upload and download speeds if fiber went to the house. Heck, even a community-based Wi-Fi (wireless) would offer better than we get at around half the price.

And it could be used as a node for extension up into Knox and Berne.

I have to believe there are many in our communities who could help with the technical aspects in planning, estimating capacities, design, tech support. There are many such community-based networks around the country today.

And with the new administration in D.C. pushing to support broadband — including community projects — I can imagine costs could be very low in establishing this.

I can imagine special rates for seniors, vouchers giving discounts for each school-age child, the opportunities for small and home businesses.

There are many advantages to having a local high-speed broadband access to the internet.

And it is very much in the future of many communities across the country, even here. Why wait?

Sam Crosby

Altamont