Re: support for TDS

Hello,

this seems like a good approach to me and I do not see any reason not
to support them.

-marc

On May 29, 2009, at 2:48 PM, Laura Perry wrote:

> Dear IT Committee members & Other affected parties:
>
> I spoke to a Bill Schmidt of TDS Telecom today. TDS serves Dekalb,
> Edwards, Herman, Pierrepont and Russell in our county. They are
> putting a request for funding together for stimulus funding
> available through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and are looking
> for our support in the form of a letter to include in their
> application. The money available through RUS is separate and
> distinct from the NTIA funding which we have been hearing about from
> other providers. RUS has a long standing history of funding the
> development of rural telco infrastructure. TDS is seeking funding
> which would allow them to expand broadband access to their existing
> service territory in St. Law Co, as well as their territories in 28
> other states. TDS too has a long proven track record for delivering
> service in our county. Mr. Schmidt provided me a sample letter
> which I have revised and copied below.
>
>
>
> I am suggesting the IT Committee recommend our County Administrator,
> Chair of the Board, and legislator whose district these communities
> reside to sign this letter. If there are any objections to this
> recommendation, please reply to me or the group ASAP. TDS is asking
> for a June 1 turnaround. I committed to a 6/6 – just in case we
> needed additional time to address questions.
>
>
>
> -Laura
>
>
>
> Dear :
>
> St. Lawrence County strongly supports TDS' efforts to apply for
> American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies from the Rural
> Utilities Service (RUS) to strengthen and expand broadband Internet
> access in the communities of Dekalb, Edwards, Herman, Pierrepont and
> Russell in our county.
>
>
>
> Our county is committed to achieving universal broadband access to
> every household. We recognize how important universal broadband is
> for the quality of life for our residents now and into the future.
> Additionally, the viability of our businesses, organizations and
> local governments depend on it. As more on-line products and
> services emerge, our households must have the opportunity to access
> them or they will be at an ever increasing disadvantage than those
> with access.
>
>
>
> TDS is acting as a leader in expanding broadband Internet service in
> our county, with 30% of households overall still unserved due to our
> rural nature (a population of only 111,000 people). TDS has a
> proven track record for quality service in our communities. Their
> efforts, along with RUS's Stimulus funding, will certainly help to
> close the gap.
>
>
>
> TDS is authorized to include this letter in any applications that
> you may file with federal agencies administering broadband stimulus
> programs.
>
>
>
> For further questions, we can be reached through the Board of
> Legislators office at 315-379-2276.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
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Marc D. Rusch marc@cadencebuilding.com
Cadence Building PH: 315-287-2852
Redwood, New York 13679 Fax: 315-287-2860