Mohawk Networks LLC Broadband Initiative Reaches New Heights Expanding to Lewis County– “This broadband initiative, along with creating more competition in the county, is dedicated to providing the availability of high-speed internet services to residents that do not currently have access.”

Lewis County, New York State- A successful pilot project was initiated by North Country Broadband Inc., a Division of Mohawk Networks LLC, to the town of Lowville, in Lewis County, NY.  The initiative involved the installation of fixed wireless internet transmitters at the top of the Lewis County Public Safety Building tower, with receiver equipment set up at the homes of twenty customers.  There have been no complaints from residents to date, and operations have run smoothly.

North Country Broadband has plans to start marketing services to the general public soon, as the tower is equipped to handle 1,200 customers.  This broadband initiative, along with creating more competition in the county, is dedicated to providing the availability of high-speed internet services to residents that do not currently have access.  With high-tech equipment and fiber-optic networking in the North Country, there should be no issues with service delivery, even during times of high usage.

Earlier this year, Mohawk Networks LLC, CEO Jeff Beekhoo applied for funding through a NYS Broadband Program initiated by Governor Andrew Cuomo, in hopes to take advantage of the $500 Million dollar funding that’s been committed to providing high-speed broadband service throughout New York State, focusing on the most under serviced areas.  Mohawk Networks, LLC was not awarded any of the funds for phase one of the grant, however they are remaining hopeful to secure funds in the second phase, to be distributed in early 2017.

Mr. Beekhoo stated that even though the funding was not granted in phase one, “We’re keeping a positive business attitude.  I feel that by proving the concept that we can deploy broadband service in Lewis County it will get a lot of people’s attention that wireless works.  It is amazing service, being 130 miles away from our base of operation.”  The CEO plans to continue moving forward with North Country Broadband initiative in Lewis County and keep the company on the broadband map.  “Even though we didn’t get it, we are going after phase two, and feeling strong.  We are continuing to improve the fiber optics here; east, west, and south Akwesasne, as well as the wireless in phase two in Lewis County.  We are almost done testing for the northern portion, and will be able to offer service there soon.”

Expanding high speed internet has been identified by New York State’s Regional Economic Development Council as key to stimulating local business growth.  Mohawk Networks utilizes fiber optics and wireless technology, Fi-Wi, to provide connectivity to high speed internet to an un-served and underserved demographic in Northern New York.  Our technology is less expensive.  The average cost of deploying fiber to the home is $2,000 more expensive than our Fi-Wi technology.

The new NY Broadband grant application for round two opens on October 17^th, 2016 and closes on November 30^th, 2016.  Mohawk Networks is actively seeking support from local, regional and state legislators, such as Senator Patty Ritchie, from the 48^th Senate District.  Senator Ritchie chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Legislative Commission on Development of Rural Resources.  The Board of Managers of Mohawk Networks has asked the Senator to consider the impact of Mohawk Networks wireless technology deployment on New York farms, young farmers, students, families, and business in the North Country.

For Lewis County, there are upcoming informational sessions on September 17^th, 2016 at the Lowville Cream Cheese Festival, where North Country Broadband will be looking for local contractors who’re interested in becoming installation and/or repair technicians in the area.

BY: Ohseraseia:hawi