Board wants quick turnaround on high-speed proposals

By Kathy Kadilak

By Kathy Kadilak

Special to the Times-Democrat

If the board of supervisors and county administrative officials stay on track with their current plan, all Fauquier County residents will have access to high-speed Internet.

A high-speed Internet connection is often a requirement for individuals who wish to telework. Given the high cost of fuel, worsening traffic congestion, and increasing emphasis on “going green,” telework provides an alternative to commuting.

According to Cedar Run District Supervisor Ray Graham, the board recently approved the development of a request for proposals (RFP) for broadband within the county and has requested an ambitious deadline.

County Administrator Paul McCulla said that the board has indicated that the RFP should be ready within one month.

Economic Development Director Talmage Reeves and Rick Klinc, county IT director, are overseeing the process., working with Sue Monaco, director of the county's procurement division.

Although the specific criteria for the broadband project have not been finalized, Reeves said that, “The time frame for providing service will be a component of the RFP.” Reeves and Klinc plan to submit the draft RFP, complete with a range of specific criteria, by the August board meeting.

Paul Conlin, a local resident and owner of Blaze Broadband, has briefed the board on the technology requirements and the challenges inherent to expanding coverage.

As he explains it, the low density of homes, larger lots, the proliferation of trees and Fauquier's rolling hills present significant obstacles.

The challenge is applying the appropriate technology to the terrain and customer density while balancing infrastructure costs to keep the service affordable.