Connectivity program clarified

By Melinda L. Lucas

Representatives of Resound Networks explained the Affordable Connectivity Program to Shackelford County commissioners and elected officials during a meeting on Monday, Nov. 14.

There was also a discussion about the proposed Regional Public Defender Office, with preliminary action taken as a follow-up to a special meeting held Nov. 2.

Internet Plan

Kami Barron and Krissy Warren from Resound Networks, the company that put in new high-speed broadband about a year ago as the result of an area-wide rural initiative, met with the court to explain how the program works.

“We started this process because we wanted the best, most cost-effective plan to get internet for all our citizens,” said county judge Robert Skelton, “but we’re not real clear on how it all works.”

Warren explained that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government program that was started during the COVID pandemic when people needed high speed internet in their homes that was affordable and reliable.

“Basically, customers can get a $30 per month discount off whatever plan they choose,” she said. “Requirements to qualify are pretty broad, not just low income.”

Warren added that AT&T also accepts ACP.

Right now, Barron said that customers must have “line of sight”  to the One Mile Hill tower to get service from Resound, but “we are always updating equipment, so that could change.”

Public Defender

On Skelton’s recommendation, the commissioners passed a motion to sign a “letter of support” for an Abilene-based Regional Public Defender Office.

Elected officials met  Nov. 2 with representatives of a group that is applying for a grant through the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

“I don’t think it would be a proper time to say we don’t support this and hurt their chances of getting funding,” said Skelton. “As it stands right now, we would break even on what we spent to participate.”

A motion passed to sign the letter of support, with no commitment at this point.