Main Street Broadband

Main Street Broadband Provides Proposal for SGRita Phase II - Rural Fixed Wireless Internet Initiative.

2009-01-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

Main Street Broadband, in association with Digitel Wireless of Atlanta, Georgia and South Georgia Governmental Services Associates (SGGSA) of Thomasville, has submitted a proposal for consideration by the South Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority (SGRita) for Phase II deployment and operation. Main Street Broadband has acquired Coastal Broadband, whose project managed the design, acquisition, installation and implementation of Phase I, including SGRita's 200 mile Wireless Backbone and connection to four (4) county school systems. That backbone connects these schools throughout the five (5) county area of Calhoun, Early, Miller, Baker and Mitchell counties in South Georgia today with the fastest Internet on the planet. Yes, the Miller County School IT Director, Jeffery Hatcher, was quoted in an SGRita Monthly Board Meeting as saying that "Our Miller County prior connection placed us in the bottom 1% in the nation as it related to Internet speed. Our new connection to the SGRita backbone places us in the top 5% in the world as it relates to Internet connection speed." Miller County, like the other schools, are 20 to 30 times faster today and able to participate in Distance Learning applications that were never possible in the past. Today Calhoun County works remotely with Thomasville across their Internet connection for these practices.

The funding for Phase I and other related engineering and oversight costs was provided via Bridge Grant from the One Georgia initiative started by Governor Purdue and managed directly by Mrs. Nancy Cobb. Now that Phase I, the backbone and school connectivity, is complete, SGRita has let an RFP to expand the Wireless Broadband Service to the homes, businesses and most importantly to the farms throughout the five (5) county area.

With Georgia and Florida under intense negotiations over water use, conserving water in the agricultural mecca that is Southwest Georgia is critical. So much so that the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, chaired by Mr. Marty Mclendon, has pledged $1 million toward the SGRita project for Phase II. With a wireless Internet connection at each irrigation system, the farmers will be able to work with technology partners like UGA - Stripling Irrigation and Ga Tech to acquire soil moisture probe data remotely and use that data to calculate the exact amount of water needed in each area of the field. This technology, in association with "variable speed irrigation", will reduce water usage in Southwest Georgia by hundreds of billions of gallons of water per growing seasons. The Flint River SWCD performed a pilot project as a proof of concept for this technology and its benefits over a 100 square mile pilot project, which was upgraded and managed by Coastal Broadband over a 2.5 year period. During that time, the water savings achieved through the use of this technology was staggering. David Reckford, Program Manager for the Flint River SWCD, has prepared numerous briefings for business and political leaders from the local level, throughout the State capital and on to Washington DC. The benefits of this technology have been well demonstrated and communicated. Articles have even been completed by USA Today, Newsweek Magazine and a host of others through association with the Nature Conservatory.

With the technology proven and the Fixed Wireless Licensed technology today to the point where it can be economically implemented over a large scale area, the SGRita Phase II project has the highest possibility for total success. The RFP review process is underway and Main Street Broadband is hopeful that their team will be blessed with the opportunity to serve the good folks in Southwest Georgia and beyond. The men, women and children of the economically deprived area throughout Southwest Georgia deserve the same basic utility services that the people have in the larger cities of Albany, Thomasville and Tifton.

Main Street Broadband was formed specifically to provide high speed fixed wireless Internet to unserved and underserved areas throughout the Southeastern US. Over the last 5 years, they have worked diligently and have obtained a $34 million Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Services Loan Grant to serve 60 communities throughout this area. The first of theses cities will launch in February 2009 with the other communities coming online over the coming months and years. Through hard work and dedication, the dream became a vision and that vision became reality!! Look for a Main Street Broadband Tower near your home in the coming months.

Ronald E. Ham
Vice President of Operations
Main Street Broadband

Wireless Networks and Water Conservation

2008-11-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

The below link leads you to a Yahoo News interview and associated article which does a great job of telling in 3.5 minutes what the state and federal governments have been trying to accomplish, in association with the local governments in South West Georgia, to conserve water. Coastal Broadband Inc. is proud to have been a part of the first network of its kind in the nation. You have to suffer through a 30 second advertisement but it is well worth it.

Flint River Video

To the right of the video are two links to other interviews and online articles that have been completed on our project. One was done by USA Today.

Coastal Broadband has managed this project from conception to implementation. It has been exciting and will certainly be a huge plus for the environment. Phase II which includes the Wireless Internet connection to the irrigation pivots and farm houses will launch in Q1-09. So stay tuned for more updates.

Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband Inc. - President
www.coastalbb.com

Coastal Broadband Contracted for SGRita Phase II Project and Business Development

2008-10-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

SGRita has contracted with Coastal Broadband to manage Phase II of their five (5) county Rural Fixed Wireless Internet service deployment. Now that Phase I is complete and the schools are online, we can begin work on Phase II. Coastal has already worked with other business partners to locate and acquire 2.5 licensed frequencies for SGRtia that will cover the vast majority of the five (5) county area. With these frequencies SGRita will be able to offer the fastest possible service at the most competitive price. The IT Directors at the Mitchell County Georgia school system and the Houston County Alabama school system should be commended for their support. They knew how valuable these licenses were and held out for the opportunity for the licenses to assist their respective communities.
Much more work is needed to complete the Phase II Project and Business Development Plan. With solid partners and sound experience like Coastal Broadband can provide, SGRita is well on their way to a successful project. None of this would be possible without Governor Purdue's One Georgia BRIDGE program and the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation Districts dedication to agribusiness in these desolate South West Georgia communities.

Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband Inc. - CEO

Coastal Broadband Completes Phase I of SGRita High Speed Wireless Backbone

2008-10-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

Coastal Broadband has completed its Project Management and Development responsibilities for Phase I of the SGRita High Speed Wireless Backbone. During this phase, 10 schools in Miller, Baker, Calhoun and Early counties were connected to the SGRita network. These schools now enjoy connections to the Internet that put them in the top 1% in the Nation and top 5% in the world according, to Jeff Hatcher, IT Director at Miller County Schools. Andre Simmons was quoted as saying "You guys have made me a hero at my school." These schools have connections now that are 8 to 20 times faster than before. Two school systems have Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connections between their schools of 200 mbps per second. This makes applications at every school run as if the server were right next to you.

But Phase I is just the start. Phase II has launched and Coastal Broadband will be leading that project and the way to serving the five (5) county area with Rural Fixed High Speed Wireless Internet service. More on that later.

Senator Johnny Isakson

2008-08-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

Coastal Broadband was recently asked to speak before US Senator Johnny Isakson on wireless broadband. Part of the presentation centered specifically on the 6-county $3.7 million wireless broadband project that Coastal Broadband is managing for Calhoun, Baker, Early, Miller, Mitchell and Seminole counties. Then the briefing / discussion turned specifically to pending reinstatement applications for 2.5 licenses that have been under consideration at the FCC for almost 2 years. Other conversations focused on the 3.65 frequency and how it can't possibly be the "savior for rural wireless broadband" that it was intended, as the propagation at current power levels does not present a viable business model in rural unserved or underserved markets. The Senator welcomes the opportunity to facilitate conversations between rural wireless broadband companies and the FCC.
Senator Johnny Isakson

The Senator is very supportive of Wireless Initiatives throughout his district and all of the United States. He provided testimonials were he has used wireless internet at government establishments around the world including Iran when visiting the troops. Senator Isakson went to great lengths to explain his support for the economic, scholastic and agricultural benefits that he knows broadband service will bring to his district.
These meetings continue to demonstrate that State and National leaders recognize Coastal Broadband as a Wireless Industry leader throughout Atlanta and Washington.

Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband Inc. - President - CEO

Coastal Broadband Supports FFA

2008-08-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

Coastal Broadband Inc is proud to be one of the sponsors that provided financial support for the new livestock trailer for the Brantley County Middle School Future Farmers of America (FFA). Led by Agriculture Teacher and FFA Adviser Krista Johns, the BCMS FFA is the largest Middle School FFA in the State of Georgia FFA Association. Recently the BCMS Middle School FFA Goat Team used the new trailer to transport several goats to the Sylvania Ogeechee Classic Goat Show. The team performed well bringing home many top three finishes in showmanship and meat goat competitions.

Coastal's support of the BCMS FFA further demonstrates their desire to provide support for the school children of Brantley County. Coastal has been proudly providing Wireless Internet and Wireless Wide Area Network Support for the Brantley County School Systems since 2002.

Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband Inc. President - CEO

Congressman Sanford Bishop

2008-08-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Coastal Broadband was recently invited to speak before Congressman Sanford G. Bishop, Jr.. The Congressman is very supportive of Wireless Initiatives throughout his district. This briefing specifically centered on the 6-county Wireless Broadband project that Coastal Broadband is managing in Calhoun, Baker, Early, Miller, Mitchell and Seminole counties. The Congressman went to great lengths to explain his support for the economic, scholastic and agricultural benefits that he knows broadband service will bring to his district. Further meetings were discussed. Coastal Broadband has enlisted help from the Congressman's office to enter into further discussions with the FCC about licensed frequency legislation. His office has also been helpful with the monitoring progress on RUS loan / grant applications where Coastal Broadband has a defined interest.

These meetings continue to demonstrate that State and National leaders recognize Coastal Broadband as a Wireless Industry leader throughout Atlanta and Washington.

Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband Inc. - President - CEO

SGRitaBegins Implementation of Five County Internet Project

2008-08-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

Link to Story: Miller County Liberal

2008-05-03T05:25:00.001-07:00

As Coastal Broadband begins its major Radio Frequency (RF) network expansion, the search for new Field Service Technicians has begun. Last week Jared Bartlett was hired to serve as Junior Field Service Technician. He will work closely with Senior Field Service Technician, Clyde Carter, until such time that he is ready to work on his own. Jared is studying computer science at a local community college and has a great working knowledge of computers and networks. Jared's experience includes significant service experience installing Dish Network Satellite systems. Jared is a good, clean cut young man, who will represent the Coastal Broadband image well and treat our loyal customer base with the utmost pride and respect. As our field service technicians work closely with the customer, Coastal takes great care in evaluating persons for these positions. These decisions are not made lightly.

In his new role, Jared will be a valuable resource for Coastal Broadband and play a pivotal role in the major network expansion that Coastal has underway. This is more evidence that Coastal takes customer service very seriously, and further evidence that Coastal is embarking on a significant expansion project.

Michael J. Hendrix

Coastal Broadband Inc. - General Manager

Coastal Broadband to Launch New Towers in May and June

2008-04-26T14:14:00.001-07:00

As has been advertised for some months, Coastal Broadband is expanding is coverage area to neighboring counties in 2008. The first expansion will take place between Racepond and Hoboken, and the second will take place in Charlton County. The South Hoboken tower will be operational in the coming weeks, providing a new service with all new equipment. Coastal is one of the first Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) to provide service with this new gear in Georgia, or the US for that matter.
Timber is being cleared for the Charlton County tower site. As soon as the site preparation is complete, that tower will be installed and made operational. This tower is targeted for commercial operation in early to mid June or sooner. Charlton County was recently dumped by a local telco provider who could no longer afford to provide dial up services. Coastal has heard its neighbors cries for service and responded. Coastal is also negotiating with other tower owners in Charlton County to expand service to other towers surrounding the city of Folkston.

Stay tuned for more information on Coastal's 2008 expansion plans.

Michael J. Hendrix -
Coastal Broadband Inc. - General Manager

Coastal Broadband Participates in Second Harvest Food Drive

2008-04-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

As members of the Nahunta First Baptist Church, members from Coastal Broadband took great pride in participating in the monthly food drive at the local church. Local food service providers donate food that has been removed from shelves, but that is still good to the food ministry. Churches from all over the county meet and bag up the groceries. Then they are transported from the distributions site to the churches in Hortense, Waynesville, Hoboken and Nahunta. This process takes a great deal of assistance and timing as some of the items are perishable.

Coastal has two members of management that are members at the Nahunta First Baptist Church and it warms their hearts to be able to support this wonderful program. If you would like more information on the Second Harvest food share program, please visit the church web site at www.nahuntafirstbaptist.blogspot.com.

Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband Inc - President

Coastal Broadband Completes Network Redesign

2008-04-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

In an effort to continue to provide our customers with the best possible Internet experience, and to prepare our network for the major expansion that is taking place this year, Coastal Broadband Inc. has completely redesigned the IP network. This process took several weeks to plan and even longer to execute. New network equipment had to be purchased, configured and installed, with precision timing and communication through the coverage areas. Almost every piece of equipment had to be replaced or modified as part of this upgrade. This work has produced significant improvements in the speed and reliability of the CBB network. Customer comments since the upgrade have been very positive. This upgrade also gives Coastal Broadband more capability to manage and monitor the network to isolate problem spots and those attempting to abuse the network.

As Coastal prepares to expand to other cities and communities to the North and South of existing networks, it was critical that the IP network be prepared for the Radio Frequency expansion. This is just another example of how Coastal Broadband is working to provide the best internet experience for the most affordable price.

Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband - President

Coastal Broadband Connects Weather Station

2008-04-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Coastal Broadband recently worked with scientists from the University of Georgia to connect a weather station at ZBLU Farms to the Internet using Coastal's High Speed Fixed Wireless Internet service. This equipment provides farmers with real time data on humidity, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, soil temperature, soil moisture and much more.

The UGA team designed a solar powered battery pack that would operate both the equipment needed to take their measurements and the equipment to provide "Fixed Wireless" broadband service. This is the first of it's kind in the state. When the days started getting shorter, the battery capacity became marginal. So Coastal again worked with UGA to develop a process where the equipment powers up routinely, transmits the recorded data and powers down.

When the UGA Weather Station was connected using a phone line, the charges were outrageous, the service was terribly slow and the equipment was routinely damaged when lightening came in through the phone lines. The service would be down while scientists made repairs. Since upgrading their service to Coastal Broadband Fixed Wireless High Speed Internet, there has only been one equipment failure and that was when lightening again came in through the phone line. Those lines have now been permanently retired and removed from the network equipment.

To view the system and the local weather it provides, go to Nahunta Weather.

This is just another way that Coastal Broadband Inc. is working to provide better information to our farmers to help them improve crop yield while helping our UGA scientists better understand weather patterns.
Ronald E. Ham
Coastal Broadband Inc. - President

2008-03-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ron Ham on steps of the Capitol Building in DC

Coastal Broadband CEO, Ron Ham, recently visited Washington DC to attend meetings regarding Rural Broadband through the Southeast and other parts of the US.

Coastal Broadband is dedicated to leveraging the political process, to urge lawmakers to reserve the D Block of 700 MHz licensed frequency, that did not sell in the recent FCC auctions for public - private partnerships, to bring High Speed Wireless Broadband service to Rural America, while offering free or reduced service to public safety and agencies with National Security Interest. Our goal is to convince the FCC that, through a modest application fee by county or region, and a recurring per customer fee in exchange for the use of the license, the FCC would make more money, over time, and would have a source of revenue that could support the management of the process. This just makes sense!!

This is just another testimony of the dedication that Coastal Broadband is demonstrating to frontier the Wireless High Speed Internet industry so that Coastal and other sister companies like it can deliver High Speed Wireless Internet service to Rural America that is still stuck on dial up today.

Coastal Broadband Recognized

2008-03-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

Coastal Broadband was recently recognized in two of the presentations given at the Wireless Communities of Georgia Conference that highlights wireless initiatives and communities in Georgia. The Alma Telephone Company spoke on their case and explained what trouble they were having implementing and operating their wireless project until they called on Coastal. Coastal took over the operation, migrated the City of Screven Georgia to Coastal's standard Fixed Wireless configuration and had the system upgraded and everyone on-line reliably in about 90 days.

Another presenter, Lee Conner, Chairman of the South Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority (SGRita) announced that they had contracted with Coastal Broadband to manage their $3.7 million Fixed Wireless Project in South Georgia. This is an expansion of the multi-city wireless Pilot project that Coastal took over early last summer for the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District.

These cases are more documented proof that the High Speed Wireless Industry throughout the South continually recognizes the importance of selecting an experienced and qualified partner to launch large scale wireless initiatives. And more times than not they are selecting Coastal Broadband as their partner.

Coastal Broadband has continued its growth and recognition as a premier Wireless Internet provider in Georgia. Coastal has cultivated relationships in the marketplace by producing excellent results and service.

Ronald E. Ham

Coastal Broadband Sponsors FFA Gala

2008-03-08T15:42:00.001-08:00

Coastal Broadband proudly helped sponsor the annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation Dinner at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Governor Sonny Purdue was apparently impressed with Coastal Broadband General Manager, Michael Hendrix and myself last night. The Governor was quoted as saying, "I bet you two are really big men in the Wireless Business." LOL The Governor liked this picture as it made him look slim. :-) We had a great time and were honored to be able to help support this wonderful program.

Items were auctioned off in silent and open auctions to raise money for the FFA Foundation. The winner of a quail hunt with the Governor paid $10,000 for the opportunity to go hunting with Sonny. We verified that Vice President Chaney would not be in attendance. We also bid on several items at a silent auction but didn't bring anything home. There was a Mark Richt autographed football that brought over $500 and several by Larry Munson that brought over $100 each. The 4 press box Braves tickets brought over $1000. All proceeds went to the FFA.

We had a lot of fun and some great food and fellowship in the beautiful setting of the Georgia Aquarium. All of the FFA state officers were there. Foundation chairman Marty McLendon, who is also the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District Chairman, came by and personally thanked us for being there. We had the opportunity to visit with US Senator Johnny Isakson, former Congressman Lindsay Thomas (who is a relative of the family), Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Congressman Sanford Bishop and many business associates from all over Georgia.

Coastal also recently supported our local chapter of the FFA by purchasing a hog at the Annual Spring Hog Show and Sale. So, we are supporters of the local and state associations of this wonderful program. As many of you know, my father Huey R. Ham, was a proud FFA Sponsor for over 25 years at Brantley County High School. I'm honored to have the opportunity to continue a relationship with this program that continues to groom boys and girls for a life after high school.

We had a great time for a wonderful cause.

Ronald E. Ham
Gov. Sonny Purdue with Coastal General Manager Michael Hendrix

Coastal Secures Two of Six Tower Locations for 2008 Expansions (March 2008)

2008-03-08T15:41:00.001-08:00

Coastal General Manager Michael Hendrix has acquired two of the six tower locations that Coastal has planned for 2008. Three new Rohn communication towers are on order and should be here by the end of March. The goal is to have one in place by the end of March and the second in place by the end of April. With the opportunities coming up in Folkston, we may need to divert these towers to Folkston and order replacements with the capital funds we put in place for that deployment.

Once we have had a look at the equipment we are currently testing we'll know more about what and where we need to put up.

Coastal Broadband in talks with Charlton County residents dumped by their provider (February 2008)

2008-03-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Folkston – Homeland Google Map
Recently, many residences in Charlton County Georgia were dumped by their dial-up provider. This brought to light the need for services in our neighboring county. Coastal Broadband has met with Bud Morris, Charlton County – City of Folkston Joint Development Authority (JDA) chairman, to discuss the area in need and to attempt to define how Coastal could deploy its service in the area to help this neighboring community out.

The initial round of data is been acquired and engineering is underway to see how best we can help. New equipment just recently released by the FCC may assist Coastal in providing premium quality service to Folkston. This would lead to an eventual entire system upgrade for Coastal's current network.

Our goal is to help out our neighbors if we can build a solid business case where this system can fit in with out existing network. We aren't looking to get rich but we need to make sure we have the capital in place to build out the towers and to equip them without creating unmanageable debt. We have two or three ways to do this and we'll select the one that is fastest to deploy.

To read the article about the citizens of Charlton who were dumped by their provider go to jacksonville.com.

Coastal Selected Project Manager for $3.7 million Wireless Deployment (January 2008)

2008-03-08T15:32:00.001-08:00

In January of this year Coastal Broadband was selected by the South Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority (SGRITA) to manage their $3.7 million Wireless Broadband Project which will cover 95% of Baker, Early, miller, Calhoun and Mitchel counties in South West Georgia. The One Georgia initiative managed for Governor Sonny Purdue by Nancy Cobb awarded the Five County initiative $2.7 million in grant funds. The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation district pledged $1 million in matching funds.

Phase one of the project is already underway where a high speed wireless backbone will be deployed over 17 towers in a ring around the five county area. Four of the five county school systems have contracted with SGRITA to utilize the new County network providing much needed revenue to subsidize the rural and agricultural components of the network. The goal is to have all schools online before September 1, 2007 and to launch the phase II project, the rural broadband deployment to the 5 counties, at or shortly prior to that time.

This type of true community partnership with the blessing of capital funds from the Governor and his support teams will make this project a long standing success. And more importantly it will serve as the example of how other communities across Georgia and other rural states across America can parter to deploy reliable High Speed Wireless networks.

Coastal Broadband Receives Microwave Radio Certification in Orlando, Florida (October 2007)

2008-03-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Two of Coastal Broadband's own traveled to Orlando and attended a three day class in Microwave Radio configuration and installation. Michael Hendrix and Ronald Ham attended the training. This training and certifications were provided by the primary equipment provider for Coastal Broadband's existing network and many other Wireless Broadband Networks across the United States.

This training demonstrates Coastal's commitment to its employees and to keeping the Radio Frequency (RF) and wired networks upgraded such that they provide the best experience for its customers.Equipment capable of providing Wireless Gigabit service

Coastal Broadband Takes over Multi-County Pilot Wireless Network (August 2007)

2008-03-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

Map of Arlington, Morgan and Edison Georgia. Home of the Flint River Pilot Soil and Water Conservation Pilot Broadband Program
Coastal Broadband has taken over the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation Broadband Pilot project. There system is in much need of repairs and re-engineering. With the full 5 county Broadband Project on the verge of approval which will replace the existing pilot, the instructions were to just get the system stable and not spend any more money that necessary. Marty McLendon, chairman of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, which reaches from the Atlanta Airport to the Florida, Georgia – Alabama land corner, has overseen this project since day one.

Just a few weeks into the take over of the operation, Coastal had the system operating without issues and one tenant on the network, Bob McLendon, reported to Marty that, “The system is faster and more reliable than it has ever been.”

With the five county Broadband Project in the last stages of approval, we are hopeful that Coastal will have acquired enough credibility in the Georgia Wireless Broadband business that we'll have a part in that project.

Coastal Broadband Takes over Screven Wireless System (June 2007)

2008-03-08T15:17:00.001-08:00

Wayne Co. Courthouse
Coastal Broadband was asked by the Alma Telephone company to take over the management of their City of Screven Wireless system that was put in with one of the first Georgia Based United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utility Service (RUS) Broadband Grants.

Alma Telephone had installed a system and was in the third year of operation. The system was in need of an upgrade and struggling due to some initial wireless engineering short falls. Coastal took over the operations and was able to convert the entire network to its standard equipment configuration. The quality of service has improved and 6 months into continued operations the number of customers on that Wireless Broadband Network is over double what it was when Coastal took over. One local citizen at the community center stated, “I wanted to thank you for putting making our service even better than it was when it was first put in. This community center is all I have since I live miles in the country and can't get anything but dial up.”

Coastal is working on plans to expand service and Wayne County is certainly an area that is in need.

Coastal Broadband in Discussions with Broadband South (April 2007)

2008-03-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

Coastal Broadband in Discussions with $33 million Grant Recipient, Broadband South. (April 2007)

When Coastal Broadband was initially formed in late 2002, a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utility Services (RUS) Broadband Loan Project was launched with then partner Tri State Broadband. Over time Tri State Broadband partnered with Main Street Broadband (MSB) to for a new group, Broadband South (BBS). This group is the recipient of a $34 million USDA RUS Broadband Loan grant. They are currently working with manufacturers to define the right wireless technologies to insall over 85 Wireless Broadband system in over 60 cities throughout the Southeast and beyond.

Coastal and BBS are in talks as they are very interested in leveraging Coastal Broadband's extensive wireless broadband operating experience to help deploy this massive project.
BBS and CBB with the Undersecretary presenting the check.