The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD), with funding from the Maryland Broadband Cooperative from the U.S. Department of Commerce, request public comments on the draft final report entitled:  "Broadband Deployment Plan for Southern Maryland." 
 
On Thursday, Oct. 4, a public meeting on the plan will be held at the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors (8440 Old Leonardtown Rd., suite 211, Hughesville), from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.

The report was produced by BEACON of Salisbury University in cooperation with the Council Regional Broadband/IT Planning Committee.  The report updates the 2005 regional broadband plan, provides details on available broadband level and quality of service currently in the region, review best available technologies trends upon which recommendations are provided for deployment of universal public/private broadband networks for Southern Maryland.

Once adopted, the regional plan will contribute to the development of a statewide broadband plan. The regional plan will advance the mission to provide residential, business and public anchor institutions with the opportunity to be served by the evolving and most current information technologies available.  

A copy of the draft final report is available for review from Friday, Sept. 21 through Friday, Oct. 5, at TCCSMD Headquarters (15045 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville), or online at www.tccsmd.org.  Copies of the report are also available at all locations of the Charles County Public Library.  Visit  www.ccplonline.org/about/locations.html for locations.

Public comments will be reviewed and the report will be presented for approval to the Council at the Oct. 18, meeting. Written comments on this proposal should be submitted to Wayne E. Clark, Executive Director of the Council via email at wclark@tccsmd.org or by posted mail on or before 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5.