“During COVID, we realized just how much of a broadband desert parts of the county were,” Otis says. “People who moved to their second homes found it difficult to work remotely because the internet speeds just weren’t fast enough.” Otis, who has been involved in broadband development for over a decade, explains that efforts to expand broadband in Oneida County have been ongoing since 2013. The county’s broadband committee has made significant strides, secured grants, and worked with service providers to bring tourism growth is balanced with environmental sustainability. OVERCOMING THE BROADBAND CHALLENGE While tourism plays a critical role in Oneida County’s economy, it’s not without its challenges. One of the country’s most significant obstacles in recent years was the lack of reliable broadband internet. This issue became particularly pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic when many second-home owners transitioned to working remotely. 292 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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