Vermont Business Magazine Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom recently had the opportunity to help host the Foundation For Rural Service (FRS) Congressional Broadband Tour. Each year, FRS hosts a trip for Congressional staff members to get out in the field to see first-hand how broadband is delivered in rural communities and how these services impact the local economy.
This is the first time this trip has come to Vermont and it was a great opportunity for WCVT to be part of the conversation and highlight both the importance and the challenges associated with building broadband in Vermont.
The group enjoyed a packed schedule of presentations as well as the opportunity to visit with local businesses.
Over the course of three days, the group visited: A Johnson, American Flatbread, the American Legion, Basin Harbor, Bolton Smilie School, Bolton Valley, Dakin Farm, Mad River Glen, and Sugarbush. WCVT also lined up some great speakers and panels talking about the challenges and opportunities of building Rural Broadband in Vermont.
After the trip, the Congressional Staffers certainly had gained a better understanding of the challenges and costs associated with building rural broadband as well as an appreciation for critical role rural broadband plays in building a thriving community.