Temple to discuss two broadband proposals

Temple residents will have an opportunity to get their broadband questions answered at a virtual public forum with the Temple Broadband Subcommittee scheduled for Dec. 10. Representatives from Consolidated Communications and Comcast have been invited, Subcommittee Chair Jessica Hipp said, after the two companies submitted proposals for a municipal bond for broadband internet.

The companies were asked to address specific concerns already raised by Temple residents in their proposals, including how far they would extend fiber up private drives for free, definitive answers on which roads in town are considered public or private, and how much power is required to use fiber internet on off-the-grid properties, as previously reported. “We are currently reviewing and asking clarifying questions,” with the providers, Hipp wrote last Wednesday, and the December forum is an opportunity for members of the community to raise their own questions and comments to the potential providers. “Our goal as stated in the RFI is to make a final decision by Friday, December 18,” Hipp wrote.

The Dec. 10 forum will be hosted on Zoom and starts at 7 p.m., with login details distributed in advance of the event.