DOVER- Expanding broadband and wireless telecommunications has been an ongoing issue throughout the Deerfield Valley. Finding a company willing to invest in hard-to-reach areas has been a constant struggle. The terrain is hilly, the number of users is limited, and phone companies generally prefer to invest in major metropolitan areas. The Dover Economic Development Committee is working to improve telecommunications. But DEDC committee member Bob Edwards says the group is facing several obstacles along the way. At the Tuesday, October 20, selectboard meeting, Edwards presented the telecommunications committee update. Unfortunately, the town’s options are limited.

Edwards attended a recent Tri-town Economic Development Committee meeting. Representatives from Dover, Wilmington, and Whitingham shared a lot of ideas, but the towns all struggle with one thing: finding a cell phone provider. “Not many have an interest in southern Vermont,” said Edwards. “Two companies told us there’s no return on investment in Vermont in general. They say the terrain is terrible and nobody is just going to put one up on a ridgeline. Which is right where we need one.”

Edwards said until the town finds a company to work with, “none of the other stuff matters.” As of now, AT&T is the only company that’s expressed interest. The other option is to obtain a cell tower through the Vermont Telecommunications Authority. The VTA was established by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jim Douglas in 2007 to provide 100% universal coverage by 2010. The VTA will build 217 cell sites throughout the state. One hundred fifty of these sites will be residential windmills. According to the VTA, small-scale windmills provide better access to phone and Internet services; a shorter distance to connect to electricity; and easier permitting.

Edwards said the VTA has not determined where the windmills will be situated. Part of the problem is the VTA is remapping the state for potential sites. Edwards’ comments drew sighs and chuckles from some selectboard members.

The other limitation is funding. Edwards said the VTA is currently waiting for federal stimulus money to fund the project. VTA officials also told Edwards they don’t know if they’re getting it.

If the VTA receives the federal funds, Edwards suggests the town lobby to get a tower on a hill site.

However, lobbying poses another problem for Dover. “Almost everyone on the board is from northern Vermont. It’s not going to be easy,” said Edwards.

Edwards said he also looked into financing options for cell tower construction. The VTA is considering co-op sharing and it may be one of the cheaper means of setting up a cell tower. Another option is passing legislation. Edwards learned that the state of Maine has a 1.39% universal service tax. The tax is intended to keep rural rates affordable by subsidizing rates of some of Maine’s independent rural local telephone companies. Approximately $3 million is set aside for cell tower construction all over the state. Edwards informed state representative Ann Manwaring about Maine’s law and asked whether Vermont could follow suit. “We need to watch Maine. See how they do it and try to make the right contacts in Montpelier,” said Edwards.

Selectboard member Adam Levine asked if it was possible to set up a cell tower, seek funding for the project, and offer space to cell phone companies at no charge. Edwards said “perhaps” and he agreed to follow up on Levine’s suggestion.

Edwards is also trying to schedule a meeting with a senior vice-president of FairPoint Communications. No date has been determined.

Edwards also spoke with Duncan Cable, of Wilmington, about broadband construction, but Duncan Cable has no plans for that at this time.

Duncan Cable currently serves West Dover and other areas throughout the Deerfield Valley.