CLEMSON — Big changes to the cellular bandwidth in Clemson could be coming soon, increasing coverage and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
In what has been an ongoing discussion by Clemson City Council and employees in the information technologies department, Clemson City Council viewed a presentation by Verizon Wireless outlining its proposal to expand the available bandwidth to the city of Clemson through wireless technologies.
According to Verizon, the city of Clemson and Clemson University are two of the largest users of wireless bandwidth in the southeast.
According to a slideshow, the city of Clemson has a glut of users for a limited amount of bandwidth available, which means no matter how strong the signal to the device in use there is no available bandwidth to transmit information upstream.
Verizon’s solution is comprised of small cellular technology, much more accessible and mobile than older tower technology, comprised of radio and transmitter boxes about one foot by one foot in size.
Any concerns council members may have had about unsightly appearance of the equipment was dispelled during the presentation where it was shown most of the small cellular technology is hidden in plain sight, showing many examples including relays in use at Memorial Stadium on the campus of Clemson University.
“I see this as a bonus for our citizens and those that visit here because it would help to enhance the experience for everyone being in Clemson,” Mayor J. C. Cook III said during Monday’s meeting. “We just want to make sure any service we decide to go with isn’t pulled out from under everyone a short time after it’s installed.”
The good news is twofold as Cook’s fears were alleviated.
The entire cost of equipment, maintenance, installation, and management would be footed by Verizon with no cost to taxpayers.
A second concern for council, the aesthetic appearance of the city, was also put to rest as they were assured the agreement would not be exclusive to Verizon and any provider who wished to “piggy back” on new small cellular technology would be afforded space without requiring each provider to install its own equipment.
No vote was taken concerning the expansion but council will be reviewing a non-binding master agreement before moving forward.
Cook also presented a proclamation naming October Archives Awareness Month, honoring those who preserve history and its related documents.
Clemson is also considering an approval for an allocation to the Indigent Defense Assessment based on state mandates, a review of the Automated Defibrillator Policy for the city, and considered bids to replace a 60 inch culvert on Rippleview Drive and a 24-inch stormwater pipe crossing Pressley Drive.
Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 19 in council chambers beginning at 6:30 p.m.
