Broadband network proved itself during ice storm

February’s ice storm was a brutal attack on the communications and utility services in Columbia County (GA). Power went out to most of the county. Lots of land phone lines froze or were knocked down by falling trees. Cellphone service was spotty and unreliable. One service never failed or faltered -- the county’s Broadband Utility network.

“It’s geared for public safety,” said Lewis Foster, Broadband Utility manager. “Our entire network is underground.” The network, which went live last fall, comprises 220 miles of buried fiber-optic cable and seven wireless communication towers. A federal $13.5 million grant paid for most of the $18 million network.