The Westport Island Broadband and Cable Committee will hold a community forum at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 via Zoom videoconference.

The COVID-19 crisis has made it very clear how critical effective internet connectivity has become in our lives. In our first forum, we reviewed Westport’s current internet availability and options. Some of the Island has access to Spectrum’s cable TV service and can subscribe to broadband internet through them.  Broadband is defined as at least 25 MB down and 10 MB up.  But at least half the Island does not have access to broadband, challenging their ability to use the internet. The committee’s goal is affordable and reliable broadband service available to all of Westport Island.

In this second forum, we’ll be refining our review of Westport’s broadband options, to get the input of Island residents. We want to gauge support for potential actions, and start mobilizing the community for the effort of negotiating with service providers and applying for grants and loans.

For more information, please contact Chair Jason Kates at 660-960-0070 or jason@kates.org or contact other members. Go to www/westportisland.us/news for the information you’ll need to attend the Zoom meeting.