Dryden is the first New York town to dip its toe into the municipal broadband pool. Rather than relying on established providers, Dryden will take on delivering its own high speed internet service to community residents. As the Daily Sentinel Reports, service is slated to go live next week.
Supervisor Jason Leifer noted that at the outset, costs will be similar to service provided by Spectrum, but over time, he believes it will prove to be a sound investment. He said he anticipates that the fiber cable employed will last “easily the next 50 years,” adding, “One of the advantages to being a nonprofit is that we don’t have to answer to shareholders, who want a huge return.”
Dryden has funded the pilot phase of the project with $2 million in federal COVID-19 disaster relief monies, plus an Appalachian Regional Commission grant and some bond money. This first phase involves laying fiber optic cable, underground where possible. The rollout will take place in the southwest section of the town and is expected to benefit at least 50 households.
The town has applied for a $2.3 million federal Reconnect grant and a Tompkins County Recovery Fund grant. If awarded, the funding will go towards the projected $15 million completion cost for the project. Leifer noted that the timetable is iffy as it depends on obtaining additional funds, but he stated that he anticipated that it would pay for itself within nine years.
“Many parts of the town are underserved or not served at all,” said Town Clerk, Bambi Avery. “I’m anxious for it to come. Some are never going back to the office after COVID, and the speed of your internet access makes a huge impact on your productivity,” she continued. “It’s going to make a world of difference for a lot of people.”
Reader Interactions