Property Owners Have Broadband Options
Clarke County residents have the opportunity to encourage internet providers to install equipment in areas of the county that lack reliable connectivity. The Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, staff and a specially appointed Broadband Implementation Committee spent more than three years studying the issue of broadband access with one goal in mind. The county wants to make it easier for broadband providers to install infrastructure throughout the county, so all residents and businesses have access to fast, reliable cell phone and internet service from the companies of their choosing.
Broadband companies have responded favorably to Clarke’s initiatives and are working with the county to identify water towers and other spots to co-locate equipment. At a roundtable discussion in June 2018, company representatives also said they want to identify property owners who have farm silos, elevated land with clear sight distances, or clusters of homes that are suitable for hosting wireless internet service provider (WISP) broadband equipment. In exchange, residents may be able to negotiate free service or reduced rates for the use of silos or small plots of land.
The following WISP companies have expressed interest in establishing internet connections in Clarke County:
• All Points Broadband ([email protected], 703-554-6616)
• Virginia Air Networks ([email protected], 540-328-9876)
• Visual Link ([email protected], 540-754-1630)
• Wave2Net ([email protected], 540-667-2672)
• Winchester Wireless ([email protected], 540-665-0800)
Clarke County government cannot be involved in negotiations between residents and broadband companies. However, the government does want residents to be aware of available options.
In July 2016, the county hired a third-party telecommunications-engineering consultant to determine locations where new towers could maximize telecommunications and broadband services for residents and businesses as well as determine optimal heights and design features for new towers and support structures.
One year later, the Board of Supervisors officially adopted a revised telecommunications zoning ordinance to provide flexibility in the siting and construction of communication towers. The new ordinance was the result of a process that began in 2015, when the Planning Commission formed a telecommunications subcommittee review existing regulations in order to meet federal and state requirements as well as make Clarke County more appealing to service providers.
Last year, the county created a designated website — clarkeconnect.org — as a resource for residents, county-based businesses and broadband providers. Because technology rapidly changes, consumers are encouraged to frequently review their service options, even if they were previously told they could not get service. There are five types of service:
Wired internet service (wired) is delivered via fiber optic cables in some areas.
Digital subscriber line (DSL) service is delivered via telephone landlines in some areas.
Wireless internet service provider (WISP) requires special antennae connected by the provider to structures such as homes and businesses. WISPs require clear lines of sight to towers or other structures that house the provider’s transmission antenna.
Satellite internet access is available throughout Clarke County, but like WISPs, satellite requires clear lines of sight from the customer’s dish to the provider’s satellite.
Cellular wireless internet is also available in most areas of Clarke County, however proximity to towers or structures housing the provider’s transmission antennae, terrain and building type all impact the effectiveness of cellular internet.
For more information, contact Clarke County Director of Planning Brandon Stidham at 540-955-5130 or [email protected]
Broadband companies have responded favorably to Clarke’s initiatives and are working with the county to identify water towers and other spots to co-locate equipment. At a roundtable discussion in June 2018, company representatives also said they want to identify property owners who have farm silos, elevated land with clear sight distances, or clusters of homes that are suitable for hosting wireless internet service provider (WISP) broadband equipment. In exchange, residents may be able to negotiate free service or reduced rates for the use of silos or small plots of land.
The following WISP companies have expressed interest in establishing internet connections in Clarke County:
• All Points Broadband ([email protected], 703-554-6616)
• Virginia Air Networks ([email protected], 540-328-9876)
• Visual Link ([email protected], 540-754-1630)
• Wave2Net ([email protected], 540-667-2672)
• Winchester Wireless ([email protected], 540-665-0800)
Clarke County government cannot be involved in negotiations between residents and broadband companies. However, the government does want residents to be aware of available options.
In July 2016, the county hired a third-party telecommunications-engineering consultant to determine locations where new towers could maximize telecommunications and broadband services for residents and businesses as well as determine optimal heights and design features for new towers and support structures.
One year later, the Board of Supervisors officially adopted a revised telecommunications zoning ordinance to provide flexibility in the siting and construction of communication towers. The new ordinance was the result of a process that began in 2015, when the Planning Commission formed a telecommunications subcommittee review existing regulations in order to meet federal and state requirements as well as make Clarke County more appealing to service providers.
Last year, the county created a designated website — clarkeconnect.org — as a resource for residents, county-based businesses and broadband providers. Because technology rapidly changes, consumers are encouraged to frequently review their service options, even if they were previously told they could not get service. There are five types of service:
Wired internet service (wired) is delivered via fiber optic cables in some areas.
Digital subscriber line (DSL) service is delivered via telephone landlines in some areas.
Wireless internet service provider (WISP) requires special antennae connected by the provider to structures such as homes and businesses. WISPs require clear lines of sight to towers or other structures that house the provider’s transmission antenna.
Satellite internet access is available throughout Clarke County, but like WISPs, satellite requires clear lines of sight from the customer’s dish to the provider’s satellite.
Cellular wireless internet is also available in most areas of Clarke County, however proximity to towers or structures housing the provider’s transmission antennae, terrain and building type all impact the effectiveness of cellular internet.
For more information, contact Clarke County Director of Planning Brandon Stidham at 540-955-5130 or [email protected]