Government : VMCU/VMEU hold regular meeting, discuss progress of broadband project

 The Vinton Municipal Electric Board met on Tuesday evening, in City Hall. (Click on the link to view the meeting. While you are there, please hit subscribe it would help Vinton Today!)

Covering the usual business of the utilities, the board discussed the progress of the broadband project. 

At this time there are over 1,700 property owners that have signed up for a site survey, (if you haven't yet, call Krystal at (319) 899-6008 and she will schedule an appointment for you! Be patient if she doesn't get right back to you, there's a lot of you and only one her!)

Dave Fridley of FARR Technologies was on hand to provide the board with an update of the construction progress. he reported that about 21% of the mainline ductwork has been laid, you can see him speaking at about the 30 minute mark in the video above talking about laying the ductwork around town. He explains what the markings are on the stakes, where the conduit is being laid and the workings of the conduit. 

Progress is being made all across the town, as seen by the several flags and stakes in the ground as well as the orange conduit peeking out of the ground. 

With 1,675 people signing up for site surveys, and the predicted response was that there would be 800 people, the project has exceeded the expectation of the contractors. Currently, about 650 site surveys have been completed.

Many residents have commented on the friendliness of the crews working, and the politeness of the team.

The new office, for the iVinton project, is located next to the Ron da Voo, located at 412 1st Ave. if you have questions or would like to stop in and talk to a person about your choices.

Just a reminder that one of the perks of signing up for the internet service, for all residential customers is the home WIFI package. If any residential customer signs up before December 30, 2020, iVinton will include a free home wireless router and free set-up. The WiFi package includes a wireless home gateway and testing by a technician to make certain there is excellent coverage throughout the home. This is at no additional charge if you beat the deadline. If you sign up after the deadline, the option will come with an additional $9.99 per month charge.

It appears that the 1 Gigabyte option is popular with the local residents more than any of the others for their internet option. While the cost might appear to be a little high, the service does not compare to the competition. 

Vinton's broadband's biggest selling point is the speed with which you will be able to use the internet, that and the overall reliability of the service.

When considering the new service, remember that you are not only paying for the speed but the reliability. The construction of the service has also been designed that there should not be an interruption of the service as you see now with current providers. 

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