Expanding Broadband

Communications in Western Morgan County

FINAL REPORT – APRIL 6, 2009

Using Alliance Community Technology Minigrant funds, the Morgan County Economic Development Authority erected a tower on its Kessel Property, located on Cacapon Mountain. There is a small, fenced-in building near the tower lined with solar panels that serve as a power source.

The tower is fully functional for wireless broadband internet services and emergency communications. Skyweb, a local internet provider, is currently offering high-speed internet to local residents.

Has the grant made a difference in the quality of services or effectiveness?

Yes. This grant has allowed for the construction of a tower to improve internet and emergency communication services. Previously, residents in some areas of the county had no option for high-speed internet. This tower will cover a large part of the underserved area.

What obstacles limited your work?

The main obstacle in construction of this tower was a power source. The tower is in an unpopulated area of the county with poor road access and no power source. The Town of Bath generously donated solar panels to assist in the project.

What impact did the grant have on the population served?

A large part of the Western part of the county can now get high-speed internet through Skyweb. This affects all residents desiring these services in the coverage area.

During the course of the project, did anything happen that was different from what you expected?

The project has gone as planned, but World Airwaves, LLC is not currently offering service on the tower. Skyweb approached the Morgan County EDA and is now offering these services.

How will the lessons you learned change your future thinking, performance or services?

We will continue to consider alternate sources of power in future endeavors, as they were successful in this project.

Provide a three column financial report that represents the project budget expenses (this should be taken from your grant proposal), the actual expenses, and the difference between the two.

Actual Expenses	Projected Expenses	Difference
$18417.83	$20,000	$1582.17

Tell us a how this project addressed the problem identified by your organization or group and how the technology was implemented to resolve the problem in a news release format. (This will actually be sent to local, regional, and state media). Limited to two or three paragraphs

Many rural areas in Morgan County, WV have little or no options for high-speed internet. The Morgan County Economic Development Authority, partnering with the Morgan County Commission has erected a tower to not only improve internet services for county residents, but also improve emergency services communication.