Frequently Asked Questions

Why are wired internet options such as Comcast or Verizon not available at my home?

Clarke County does not have the authority to mandate that internet service providers serve the county with broadband internet access. Providers of wired cable internet such as Comcast typically focus on serving areas with a high residential density so they can maximize the number of customers and minimize the amount of infrastructure to install and maintain. In Clarke County, these areas include the towns of Berryville and Boyce as well as higher density communities such as Shenandoah Retreat.

Digital subscriber line (DSL) service through Verizon was once a popular alternative to dialup internet and is available in certain rural areas within a short distance from the company’s hubs. Since this form of internet access uses existing telephone landlines and companies such as Verizon are divesting their interest in landline telephone service, DSL reliability and availability is continuously shrinking.

What are my options for internet access if I cannot get wired broadband such as Comcast or Verizon Fios?

There are currently three different types of wireless internet service that can be obtained in the rural areas depending upon specific location, topography, and tree coverage. These include satellite internet, wireless internet service providers (WISPs), or mobile cellular internet access. Details on these technologies are provided here: https://www.clarkeconnect.org/what-are-the-different-types-of-providers.html

A list of Clarke County internet providers can be accessed here: https://www.clarkeconnect.org/links-to-isp-websites.html

Why are taller cell towers needed for internet access?

Clarke County, as with most rural counties, will have to rely on different types of internet service providers in order to maximize access for residents and businesses. Services such as WISPs and mobile cellular internet rely on broadcast antennas located on towers. For WISPs in particular, the taller the antenna height, the greater the range of service that can be provided across the community given that a clear line of sight is needed.

Information on the county’s telecommunications tower regulations may be viewed here: https://www.clarkeconnect.org/zoning-ordinance-requirements.html

What is Clarke County’s role in providing internet access to residents and businesses?

Clarke County does not have the authority to mandate that internet service providers serve the county with broadband internet access. However, the county is in the position to work cooperatively with the industry to explore ways to facilitate their expansion. Examples of such efforts include:

Periodic review and updating of county regulations on communications towers and equipment to ensure that rules and review processes are industry-friendly, are up to date with the current state of technology, and help to ensure creation of an optimal communications network.
Contracting with providers to mount their antennas on county structures such as water tanks.
Serve as a clearinghouse of information both for internet providers looking to expand in the county and for residents and businesses looking for better internet access options.
Provide a platform for industry representatives to communicate their needs to Clarke County and to potentially establish partnerships with the county and among themselves to expand broadband internet access.

Many of these activities are currently being managed by the Clarke County Broadband Implementation Committee. Information about this committee and the county’s broadband activities can be found at:
https://www.clarkeconnect.org/what-is-the-broadband-implementation-committee.html
https://www.clarkeconnect.org/county-broadband-efforts.html