BoCo Broadband Summit continues today

“Botetourt County is growing 3-1 comparing to other surrounding areas,” said Ken McFayden the Director of Economic Development in Botetourt County. But 69% of respondents on a poll taken last spring said they did not have reliable broadband service other than their cell phone.

So on Sept. 25 and 26 people gathered at Greenfield Education and Technology field to try to find solutions to the problem of a rural area’s lack of broadband. Most have a dog in the fight like a small business or large employer. Others however, see the future economic success of the county dependent on 21st century technology. About 40 people showed up for the Tuesday afternoon speakers seeking a solution to the broadband dilema.

Walter Grigg four years ago sat on his garage floor pondering the problem. He works for Lawrence Transfer one of the  companies that employee many county residents.  After hours of research, he spoke with Gary Larrowe the county administrator. He said, “Soon a Broadband study and a commision committee formed. Supervisor Mac Scothorn heads it up and I am vice chairman.”

The summit is a result of the commission. With Eldor a new large employer officially opening next week in Greenfiled, the county continues to need fast, reliable internet.

The two-day summit has a dozen or more guest speakers bringing ideas and information to the table on how the county can hopefully expand fast and reliable broadband service to help companies and even people who  work remotely or through their home that number about 2,000.

While the southern end of the county has broadband, the rest of the county is sadly lacking.