Sevastopol Recommends Switch to AT&T for Broadband

The Town of Sevastopol’s Communications and Technology Committee introduced during a Sept. 7 public hearing its recommendation to partner with AT&T as its internet service provider (ISP) to bring fiber broadband access to all addresses. 

The town had severed ties in June with its previous selection of Bug Tussel upon learning the financial arrangement with the company wasn’t working out as planned. The committee went back to the drawing board, issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and this time, gaining more interest, said Jeanne Vogel, town board supervisor and chair of the committee.

The committee evaluated proposals from five carriers based upon a list of criteria, and AT&T rose to the top. 

“They are capable and experienced and able to serve the entire community,” Vogel said during the public hearing.

AT&T is also paying 70% of the total project costs, which have been estimated at $7.42 million to bring broadband to every address through both aerial installation on utility poles (48%), and buried cable (52%). The town’s portion of the cost, excluding any grants it may receive, would be $2,172,644. Based upon a 20-year loan at 5.75%, the committee projected a tax levy cost of $1.34 per month per $100,000 of property value.

“You can’t get a latté at Starbucks for that,” said Hugh Zettel, committee member, and also a County Board supervisor representing wards in Sevastopol and the Town of Sturgeon Bay in District 14.

The company would offer speed packages starting at 100/100 megabits per second (mbps), and maxing out at 1,000/1,000 mbps, with monthly rates between $30 and $80.

The Sevastopol Town Board will take action on the committee’s recommendation at its Sept. 18 board meeting.