Broadband Discussed by County Board Committee

The availability of broadband internet service in Effingham County was the chief topic at Thursday's meeting of the Effingham County Board's Tax and Finance Committee. 

The committee members heard from Effingham County Farm Bureau Director Julie Stephens on the issue. Stephens was joined remotely by two representatives from Breaking Point Solutions, who said a survey by the Federal Communications Commission overstates the level of broadband service available in the county.

There was also discussion about surveys needed to determine the level of interest in having broadband service, as well as the level of available service. Board members who commented suggested that Internet Service Providers should cover the cost of any surveys, not the County, since the ISPs would benefit by providing the service.

Stephens said Farm Bureau would continue to research the matter.