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Discussion followed on the technical aspects of broadband, transmission speeds, fiber, <br /> hardware and standards. <br /> Commissioner Rich said emails from the public about rural network access have increased <br /> since the Google Fiber announcement. <br /> There was a short discussion on current and possible changes in FCC rules related to <br /> telecommunications. <br /> Commissioner Price said the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners supported <br /> legislation to improve broadband services. <br /> A member of the public in attendance commented that not only does network access impact a <br /> child's ability to do school work, but network access also impacts home/property values. <br /> Jim Northrup said that some of the next steps will be to identify vertical assets. Vertical assets <br /> can include existing elevated structures such as farm silos. He also stated that the Planning <br /> Department had looked at possible tower sites. However, those sites were based on a need to <br /> improve radio communications for emergency services (law enforcement, fire, ambulance, etc.). <br /> Representative Meyer asked if there was a timeline for the next steps. <br /> Jim Northrup said many topics had been covered during the meeting and that the specific goals <br /> would need to be better defined before establishing timelines. He did state that a next step <br /> would be a survey, which was already being designed, to get information from the public. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley and Chair McKee both expressed appreciation for all who attended and <br /> participated in the meeting. <br /> Representative Meyer said there was a need to get the survey out to the public and bring the <br /> telecommunications companies to the table. <br /> The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. <br />