Hillsboro holds groundbreaking ceremony for broadband internet

On Thursday, Oct. 15, the City of Hillsboro and TCT held a groundbreaking service near the corner of A and Washington for the new broadband Internet service that will be coming to Hillsboro.

This service has been a longtime dream of many, including former Free Press owner Joel Klaassen, who Mayor Lou Thurston opened his speech up with thanking for his determination in seeing broadband Internet brought to Hillsboro.

Today I want to recognize someone who has long been a part of this community and has been involved with advocating for a fiber network for Hillsboro. Joel Klaassen is the former owner and publisher of the Free Press. Joel has been tireless over the years in his support for the fiber network for Hillsboro and clearly understood the importance of being globally connected. He met with me early in my first term to talk with me about this,” said Thurston.

Thurston also mentioned Senator Jerry Moran, who was present for the event and earlier wrote a letter to Congress to help remove roadblocks and move things along.

You may not remember, but you sent me a letter in March of 2019, and you hand wrote at the end of your letter to put you to work for Hillsboro, so I did,” said Thurston.

Moran has been to Hillsboro multiple times, including last year when he came to see what he could do for the bankrupt Hillsboro Community Hospital. He spoke of the admiration for and connection he felt with Hillsboro. He praised city leadership for their commitment to bring advanced technology to the residents of Hillsboro.

After several speeches, the guests and Hillsboro’s own grabbed shovels and dug up some dirt, several yards over from where the prefabricated building that serves as the hub for the broadband Internet service already stands.

It will take several months as the work continues. Prices are also still unclear, which will greatly impact if the average Hillsboro resident will be able to use the broadband service being offered. But several business will at least be able to profit from the new broadband Internet services once they are eventually available.

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