The Town of Argos is planning better access to broadband for its businesses and residents, but is requesting a bit of financial assistance.
Jim Burroughs is the Utility, Park, and Street Superintendent for the Town. He says the community in the southern portion of Marshall County has been working to address a dead space for high-speed internet connectivity.
“At the town of Argos, we had voiceover and internet phone systems that were inadequate,” says Burroughs. “Our EMS, our police, and along with our municipal buildings were dropping calls and things of that nature.”
The community initially declined participation in the Metronet fiber optic project due to its cost. Instead, Rochester Telephone Company was contacted by Argos regarding broadband fiber optic upgrades. It’s part of a three phase plan initiated by the town.
The purchase of 75-acres of land for industrial development and the installation of fiber optic cable broadband to the community is considered Phase One. Phase Two involved taking the medium voltage cable across U.S. 31, and in multiple directions. Both of those have been completed at a cost to the Town of $200-thousand.
Phase Three is expected to complete the plan by providing fiber optic connectivity to homes and businesses at a cost to RTC. The fiber is expected to be installed later this summer. Burroughs says Argos officials believe their project is in line with Marshall County’s goals to increase connectivity to all of its residents.
“We don’t expect you to pay the entire $200-thousand, but if you’d like to, we’ll take that,” Burroughs joked. “I realize being in city government for 30-some years, I know money is tight. But this does fit into the scope of what the county is trying to do.”
The project may not stop with Argos. According to the discussion Monday morning, Culver and Bourbon may also be interested in participation in the broadband services RTC is offering.
$75-thousand was recommended for approval by the Marshall County Commissioners to the County Council to aid in the cost of the first two phases. They will consider approval at their meeting held next week.
