Whether it’s for online schooling, work meetings, paying bills, ordering goods and services, watching streaming services or just keeping in touch with friends, the internet has become an essential part of life for most of the world.
Those in more densely populated areas often take internet service for granted, not realizing that many individuals in rural communities may not have the same access. That’s why McKean County Commissioners Tom Kreiner, Carol Duffy and Cliff Lane were pleased to announce the completion of a new fixed wireless broadband network that will enable SkyPacket to serve rural sections of the county immediately.
According to a press release, McKean County dedicated $1.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds towards the expansion project with Conxxne Inc. of Jessup.
Before the project was started, it was estimated by county officials that 35% of all structures in McKean County were classified as unserved or underserved. Underserved customers are defined as those who have internet service, though do not receive speeds of at least 25 mbps download and 3 mbps upload.
“The need to improve high speed internet access has been a priority for the Commissioners for several years and the need became more prevalent during the COVID pandemic,” the release stated. “Residents were suddenly presented with the challenges of work from home, virtual education, and tele-medicine options that were unavailable. To address this issue, the Commissioners utilized CARES funding to build Phase I of a fixed wireless network that will be able to provide speeds of up to 100mbps download and 10mbps upload.”
Currently, the network has installed wireless broadband equipment at the following sites: Bradford Airport, Kane Community Radio Station, Pine Acres Golf Course, Prospect Hill 911 Tower, Gibbs Hills 911 Tower and Songbird Road Tower. There are plans to install more in the coming months.
According to the statement from the County Commissioners, “During the past few months, McKean County’s network has undergone testing and optimization to fine tune internet service to area residents and businesses. The McKean County Commissioners have entered into an agreement with SkyPacket Networks to be the first Internet Service Provider to utilize the County’s wireless network to provide services to residents. Residential plans range from $65 — $99 and commercial services are also available with pricing based on the level of services needed.”
Information about where service is available, pricing, equipment installation, and subscribing to service is available on SkyPacket Network’s website at www.skypacket.net, by calling 1-800-214-9060 or by emailing SkyPacket customer service at info@skypacket.net.
Residents in need of high-speed internet service that are concerned about their ability to pay, can look into the Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB). This program provides qualifying customers with a credit of up to $50 per month to reduce the cost of internet service. SkyPacket Networks is a Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program partner and information about this program is available on the SkyPacket website or by visiting the Federal Communication Commission’s EBB program website at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
