AJ News

By Adam Roberts aroberts@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter / Photographer

S. ABINGTON TWP.— At their regularly scheduled meeting on March 8, the S. Abington Twp. supervisors pledged support for a countywide wireless network proposed by the Lackawanna County commissioners.

After hearing a presentation on behalf of the county and Conxx Inc. from Bill Risse and Director of Information Services for Lackawanna County Jeff Mando, the supervisors gave their support and asked township manager David O’Neill to draft a letter.

Lackawanna County is applying for a federal stimulus grant to use primarily existing infrastructure to allow county communication to operate in a wireless format.

Mando explained that the high speed data connection will save money on phone, long distance and Internet charges by giving the county its own carrier grade service. If the county is given the stimulus grant, which will be awarded in September, Mando said 70 percent of the cost would be paid and the other 30 covered by the savings.

“In eight years time Lackawanna County, just in our data services alone, will save $3.5 million,” said Mando.

The network services would be made available to municipalities and eventually to businesses, and would be used to unite the county.

At first, the system would be used for public safety by police and fire departments.

If equipped with laptops and this network, police officers could monitor surveillance video from their cruisers. S. Abington Twp. cruisers are not currently equipped with laptops, but public safety grants could be applied to their purchase.

The Conxx Inc. system is currently operating in Cambria County, Pa., and Allegheny County, Md., as well as in Ohio. “It’s one of the few proven municipal networks,” said Risse.

By pledging their support, the S. Abington Twp. supervisors have not signed up for any services. The Lackawanna County Commissioners will make more information about the program available if they receive the grant.

The next S. Abington Twp. meeting is March 22 at 7 p.m.