Trailwave Fiber got a boost this week in its bid to increase its market share in Northeast Georgia.
The Clarkesville City Council approved a 30-year franchise agreement with the local internet provider. It allows the company to install, operate, and maintain equipment in the city to support video services.
The fiber optic internet provider is looking to branch out into video streaming and possibly phone service.
Under the terms of the agreement, Trailwave will pay the City of Clarkesville 4% of its gross sales of cable and/or video service sold to subscribers within corporate city limits. Payments will be made quarterly.
The agreement also authorizes Trailwave to cut and trim trees and shrubbery when and where necessary to “insure safe and efficient service.” It’s similar to other ordinances that govern the functions of other utilities in the city.
Twice as many in three years
Expanding services is part of Trailwave’s plan to double its subscriber count in three years. The agreement with Clarkesville is not exclusive and will not prohibit other providers from offering similar services within city limits.
Newly-sworn in Clarkesville City Council member Lane Gresham joined her fellow council members in unanimously voting for the measure on Monday. But before consumers get too excited about fiber internet coming to their door, HEMC spokesperson Nicole Dover says it’s “not part of a plan to expand the broadband infrastructure, but rather a potential expansion of the services offered to existing Trailwave subscribers.”
“This is being done as part of Trailwave Fiber’s due diligence as they explore offering video services in the future,” she says. As part of that due diligence process, Trailwave has reached out to all of the municipalities in its service area including Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, and White counties.
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Community input
In March, Trailwave Fiber executives held a public meeting in White County to discuss expansion plans. They intend to pursue more meetings like that in other communities, as well.
Vice President, Technology & Services
“Using community input, we are exploring all opportunities to expand Trailwave Fiber’s footprint,” explains HEMC Vice President of Technology and Services Glenn Purcell. “Ultimately, our goal is that quality reliable broadband service is accessible for residents and businesses in all areas to improve educational, economic and health opportunities.”
“I don’t’ know anything about how fast they’re moving or when it’s going to be here,” said Clarkesville City Manager Keith Dickerson in reference to Trailwave’s plans to offer video service. “That’s determined by them, we can’t tell them where they have to go.”
We are currently installing Trailwave along the cooperative’s electrical grid. That is, from the substation along a circuit to a house – the same path electricity follows to the outlet in your wall.
On its website, Trailwave says people located in areas where Trailwave is being extended “will be notified” and given an opportunity to subscribe. To find out if it’s available in your location, visit them online at https://www.habershamemc.com/trailwave/availability/.
For plans and pricing visit https://www.habershamemc.com/trailwave/pricing/.
