Subscribe to BELP Updates
Construction Contract Has Been Signed Between Altius Broadband, LLC and the Breathitt,
Estill, Lee, and Powell (BELP) Regional Technology Authority to Expand
Broadband Service in the Four County Region
Frankfort, KY—The Breathitt, Estill, Lee, and Powell Regional Technology Authority (RTA) and Altius Broadband have signed a contract to begin construction on a broadband service network in four Eastern Kentucky counties.
“The RTA is proud to partner with Altius Broadband to bring broadband service to the rural residents of Breathitt, Estill, Lee, and Powell counties,” said Joe Crawford, RTA chairman.
“Having a signed construction contract is a significant step for the project, but not one the RTA Board takes lightly in our quest to get the best broadband service possible with the limited funds available.”
This broadband expansion project, “Coal to Broadband: Making the Transition, Making the Connection,” began in November 2009. In Spring 2010, the RTA and Connect Kentucky, as a technical advisor, solicited request for proposals to help build out a broadband network in the rural areas of Breathitt, Estill, Lee, and Powell counties.
After a review of the work plans and contract terms discussions, the RTA signed an agreement with Altius for the construction of the broadband network on September 9. This contract
will allow the construction phase of the project to begin. Preliminary work, like securing access to water tank and tower locations for equipment installation, and contracting for an Internet backhaul connection has already begun.
“The BELP project will be an important deployment of a fixed wireless microwave network in this country,” said Jim Connor, president of Altius Broadband, LLC. “Our partnership with BELP and ConnectKentucky will serve as a model for communities throughout the United States on expanding broadband services in some of the most remote areas to ensure their connectivity and bridge the digital divide.”
“ConnectKentucky is excited that the construction phase of the ConnectBELP project can begin,” said Rene True, executive director of ConnectKentucky. “The citizens of the four counties have been more than patient as we worked out the details of the project leading up to the construction phase. The RTA volunteer board is to be commended for making an extra effort to contract with the broadband provider that can deliver the best broadband network within the project budget.”
To learn more about the project, visit www.connectbelp.org.
# ## #
Related Links:
Altius Broadband: http://altiusbroadband.com/
Press Release: Governor Beshear Announces Grant to Provide Broadband Access to Eastern Kentucky Region (11/03/09)
