Staying connected hasn\u2019t been so simple for some residents of Owego. The increased need for reliable Internet and cell phone service for those working from home or participating in remote learning is a hot topic. <\/p>\n
Several residents of the Valley Road and surrounding area have been dealing with an upset to Internet and cell phone service for an extended period of time. Many utilize a separate landline. <\/p>\n
From AT&T to HughesNet, Plexicomm, Verizon, Spectrum and more, residents have tried many carriers, and even started a neighborhood group where they share information and personal experiences about the subject.<\/p>\n
Kelly Crapser, a Valley Road resident for over 13 years, is concerned about remote learning for her ninth grader at Owego Free Academy, which takes place three days a week; and another who has started college, and all remote learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy oldest is concerned about losing a connection to a Zoom class,\u201d Crapser said. Alternate plans are to connect at a friend\u2019s home. <\/p>\n
Lorna Tiefenthaler, who has lived on Valley Road for 26 years, has found it challenging to work from home and has modified her schedule so that some days she is online prior to 6 a.m. when there is less traffic. However, that isn\u2019t always successful. <\/p>\n
Valley Road resident Sharon Frampton remarked, \u201cI had great service for a solid year [and then switched service].\u201d She noted that since March that service has declined significantly.<\/p>\n
Frampton and other neighbors have contacted the FCC related to their individual concerns. <\/p>\n
According to Frampton, \u201cWe were told that we are in a \u2018hard to service\u2019 area and that increased traffic due to COVID is a factor, too,\u201d adding that, \u201cThey concluded that no changes were necessary and that the next upgrades were scheduled in 2022.\u201d <\/p>\n
Frampton added, \u201cIt\u2019s not my mission to put down the carriers, we just want to resolve the issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to some residents, including Frampton, they felt as though the carriers were suggesting they look elsewhere. <\/p>\n
Darren Dodge, who has lived in the area his entire life, commented that Valley Road seems to be, \u201cThe road that time forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Dodge family enjoys where they live and have actually lived without solid Internet access for years. Now that utilizing the Internet has become more of a necessity in these times, they are searching for the right answers. <\/p>\n
Dodge has five children who attend Owego-Apalachin (OA) Schools. He explained, in one instance, a carrier could not get a signal due to an obstructed line of sight. OA Schools provided the family with an iPad in August that includes an AT&T hotspot.<\/p>\n
Dodge said, \u201cIt has worked a little better,\u201d however questions if the hotspots could pose a strain on the system. <\/p>\n
Dodge complimented the district\u2019s efforts, \u201cOA Schools has been fantastic, and the teachers work with us because they understand our Internet situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dodge also has a Plan B, which means loading up five children and driving elsewhere to access a reliable internet signal, although he hopes it is not often or during the winter. <\/p>\n
Valley Road resident, Rhonda Baker, with one child in OA Schools, explained that should Internet issues persist, alternate plans are to go to the homes of friends. Baker hopes that teachers will understand if an Internet hiccup occurs during a required on-line class, and remains concerned about spotty cell service, and especially in case of emergency.<\/p>\n
Valley Road residents have also voiced their concerns to elected officials. Another option for residents, a survey and analysis conducted by Spectrum was completed last week. <\/p>\n
OA Schools Public Information Coordinator, Luke McEvoy, stated, \u201cSince last spring, the district has been working to address Internet connectivity issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
McEvoy explained that numerous surveys were conducted with students and families in order to understand and help those with no Internet, or unreliable Internet.<\/p>\n
OA Schools has worked with Plexicomm to create Wi-Fi access at several locations within the district, and also expanded outdoor access points. Students and families should reach out to the district for information<\/p>\n
McEvoy continued, \u201cEvery student, K-12, has a school issued iPad. We issued five AT&T hotspot devices and 20 Verizon wireless data enabled iPads in the spring. Heading into this school year we have issued, or are in the process of issuing 15 AT&T hotspot devices to assist students and families who have contacted the district,\u201d and added, \u201cWe are waiting on devices to be delivered. They (families) should be receiving information on their devices soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Technology Family Help Desk has been launched that allows students and families to fill out a Google form with any iPad, App, or technology issue they have with their school-issued devices and classroom assignments. OA Schools encourages families to complete a ticket on the Help Desk, which is monitored by the OA IT Department, or call the main office at their child\u2019s school to request a ticket be submitted on their behalf. <\/p>\n