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cost/passing(density of town,miles of road,etc...),and potential for growth in the town <br /> or region. Most of the towns on Cape are interested in looking into it. It is unlikely that <br /> Comcast would spend the millions to upgrade their service on Cape. <br /> Mr. Riley asked what Falmouth's status with their Comcast contract is. <br /> Sam Patterson said they are under contract. <br /> Mr. Riley said Steve Johnson suggested not entering into a 10 year contract with Comcast <br /> to show them our intention to not remain the status quo,the group suggested a 5 year <br /> term as a possibility. <br /> Mr.Nelson suggested forming a discussion group with Falmouth. <br /> Art Gaylord said it's important to work with the government on all levels,federal, state, <br /> and county. COVID relief money could be used towards broadband.All 3 county <br /> commissioners expressed interest in putting money in this direction. He's suggested <br /> informally to put maybe 10% or so in a fund that towns could apply for to use for a <br /> feasibility study. It's not enough money to build everything,but is enough to help towns <br /> decide if they want to. Some federal level should be passed too. It will be important to <br /> have work done to put in for good grant proposals. Being prepared as a region will <br /> greatly increase the chance of federal money. <br /> Sam Patterson said Bourne is very interested in regional approach.A regional approach <br /> makes it far more attractive for providers. Since Open Cape goes all the way to <br /> Providence, it gives them growth opportunity to invest more. He's quite sure Sandwich <br /> would be interested as well. He warned to be careful not to make the regional board too <br /> large. <br /> Art Gaylord concurred. He cautioned not to get too prescriptive with the makeup of each <br /> town. It will get too_big. Good geographic coverage and a mix of expertise is more <br /> important than some from each place. <br /> If Falmouth was funding through general obligation bonds, approximate cost is $70 <br /> million with interest. It's a big number, but cost per household would be about$100/year <br /> over 20 years. Subscribers would save more than that in a few months if they switched <br /> from Comcast. <br /> Motion: Mr.Nelson moved we approach the Board of Selectmen to facilitate <br /> communication to create a Super Regional Broadband Interest Board.Mr. Eliason <br /> seconded. <br /> Vote: 5-0-0 motion passed <br /> 7. Additional Topics. <br /> 8. Final comments by Board members or public. <br /> Mr. Eliason talked about the logistics of overbuilding in the past and asked how today's <br /> fiber impacts those types of problems.Mr.Nelson said with today's technology, it's <br /> much less complex. David DelVecchio said that fiber is super light,the poles can handle <br /> it. The towns own the right of way for the poles. It was clarified that right of way does <br /> not indicate ownership. <br /> 9. Schedule next meeting date. <br />