Re: support for TDS

Laura,

 

I think it is proper for us to support a company that has already provided service to some of our St. Lawrence County communities and is trying to expand and improve that service.

 

Bill

----- Original Message -----

From: Laura Perry

To: 'Bill Hunter' ; 'Carrie Tuttle P. E.' ; Dave Wolf ; 'Donald A. Peck (R)' ; Elizabeth Graham ; greg@stlawu.edu ; 'Helene Mellon' ; J. Patrick Turbett ; 'Jennifer French' ; 'Jon Montan' ; 'Karen St. Hilaire' ; 'Kevin Lynch' ; 'Laurel Goolden' ; Leigh B Rodriguez ; 'Marc Rousch' ; 'Pat McKeown' ; 'Patti Fisher' ; 'Perretta, Francine' ; 'Phil Deleel' ; PhilW@slic.com ; Pray, Cheryl ; Ray Fountain ; 'Rick Johnson' ; Rob Hack ; SLC IT Blog ; 'Tom Sauter' ; 'Wade A. Davis'

Cc: 'Karen St. Hilaire' ; Greg Paquin ; Frederick S. Morrill

Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 2:48 PM

Subject: support for TDS

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,