The following was submitted by the Block Island Broadband Committee:
The Broadband Committee has been meeting over many years to bring broadband speeds comparable to the mainland and has determined that building our own broadband network is the best option. We have already implemented the Community Anchor Institutions broadband network that has brought reliable high-speed internet to our Medical Center, School, Public Safety, Library, Town Hall and Power Company. The next step is to make affordable high-speed internet available to every home and business.
High-speed internet is no longer a luxury. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that Block Island needs reliable internet now more than ever. Our families need it at home to enable virtual student learning and completion of internet based assignments, our businesses need it to operate and promote their businesses, our second homeowners need it to work remotely, and most importantly our residents need it to access telemedicine services from their on-island and off-island health care providers.
The Committee sought bids and has chosen the most viable and cost-effective proposal to implement affordable Islandwide broadband. This solution builds upon the foundation of our CAI Network by connecting all homes and businesses
