The global economy is forcing local industries to restructure as some service and  jobs move overseas, and new opportunities are emerging that take advantage of the global Internet.

The "Digital Divide” is not about technology, it is a matter of making information more accessible in our community, and this requires communications between interested parties, political will, education, and funds.

When considering a Fiber To The Home network development project, the community and partners must undertake many preparations including:

• Deciding on the structure of the partnership which best serves local interests.
• Explore other regional shared services, determine common service requirements and understand local economic development implications.
• Political approval may have to be obtained in one or more of the participating municipalities
• The chosen governance body and delivery body will have to be established
• Changes to building codes and municipal bylaws to establish the service may have to be adopted by the participating municipalities.

• Staffing, systems, procedures, contracts and other administrative matters may have to be arranged or re-arranged.
• Development of terms of reference, bylaws and other guiding materials for any new service governance body that is created.
  
• A review of cost-sharing models that can be applied in recovering the tax supported portion of delivery costs
• A service delivery study designed to identify and assess various delivery models including non-government participants
  
• Communications program to inform ratepayers and citizens of the service partnership and what it means
• Communications programs and materials will be developed to explain key benefits to the communities.
• Development of contracts and agreements to formalize the structure and activities of the partnership;
  

Collaboration brings out great ideas:

Various groups have begun assembling. These groups generally represent regional interests in but also include Internet Service Providers, Business, Education, Medical and Regional Business and Economic Development groups.

Many leaders are interested in helping to establish new strategies to help citizens by:

• Continue building the dream of the SuperNET into towns, counties and municipalities.
• Speed the convergence of voice, internet and television services.
• Bring new and emerging technology to market.
• Understand and increase our role in global commerce
• Diversify our economy
  
• Use of technology to improve in quality of life.

If you are interested in joining the growing list of parties who believe this project can benefit our community, please contact us.