Parkman Resident Pursues Broadband Internet for Township
Parkman Township has joined Auburn and other rural townships in Geauga County to become pro-active in getting better and more reliable internet service for residents who are under-served.
Parkman Township has joined Auburn and other rural townships in Geauga County to become pro-active in getting better and more reliable internet service for residents who are under-served.
At their meeting Jan. 19, Parkman Township Trustees heard from resident Thad Wojtasik, son of Fiscal Officer Susan Wojtasik, about his ongoing frustration with lack of reliable high speed internet service as the COVID-19 pandemic forces everyone to stay home and work, study and socialize on their laptops, tablets and cell phones.
The serious problem facing rural residents was highlighted in the Geauga County Maple Leaf in a three-part series in September of last year. Many complained internet providers refused to extend fiber optic lines to areas of less house density, citing costs.
At that time, the Ohio Senate was considering a house bill that would provide grants to internet companies for constructing the necessary cable lines, but the bill died at the end of the session.
In nearby Auburn Township, trustees have formed an advisory task force to help communicate the need for broadband lines, which they described as “desperate,” to the current Ohio legislature.
In Parkman last Tuesday, Wojtasik told trustees he had another idea: put pressure on Spectrum, the cable TV and internet provider that many consider the most reliable company, to expand into Parkman.
“The internet is terrible in this township,” Wojtasik told trustees, who unanimously agreed with him.
Wojtasik said he has been in contact with Spectrum officials, who told him the company has plans to expand in the area, but has not yet decided where.
“I have a phone number to give out for people to call Spectrum and ask for service to be expanded into Parkman,” he said. “The more people call, the more likely they will come in this direction.”
The number is 1-855-757-7328, Wojtasik told trustees.
“Spectrum’s minimal speeds are faster and more reliable than other companies’ fastest speeds,” he added. “Spectrum is in the process of investigating the service out here and is looking for a direction to expand.”
Trustees urged residents to call Spectrum to ask the company to choose Parkman in their expansion plans.
“It can’t happen too soon,” Trustee Dennis Ikeler said.
