Letter of Support: Enable Enhanced Broadband Deployment for Improved Connectivity in Prince George’s County
About This Letter of Support: Greater Washington Board of Trade signed on to this letter of support with our member Crown Castle, which advocates for implementing Crown Castle’s Rapid Connect fiber construction method, an innovative way of building fiber to expand broadband access in our community.
We are writing to advocate for the implementation of Crown Castle’s Rapid Connect fiber construction method, an innovative way of building fiber to expand broadband access in our community. While the County’s Department of Public Works & Transportation and Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement has been engaged since the spring of 2024, we have yet to see movement on its implementation.
Rapid Connect uses a small moving crew and safety vehicles to simultaneously cut, place, and seal underground fiber. This method meets the highest safety standards, is environmentally conscious, minimizes disruption and community impact, reduces deployment time, and blends seamlessly into our streetscape. As a result of this simplified construction process, Crown Castle can complete fiber construction in weeks instead of months, and at a fraction of the cost.
Data demand is growing quickly. For instance, it’s expected that mobile data traffic in North America will grow by 150% by 2029. Improved connectivity is crucial for improving access to vital resources and services, including educational opportunities, digital healthcare, connected transportation, public safety and many of the Plan Prince George’s 2035 strategies. As connectivity demands surge, Rapid Connect is the fastest and most effective solution to build networks that can keep pace with each community’s growing needs. In Addition, embracing this type of innovation can help communities become broadband ready and more competitive as states allocate funding. Crown Castle has successfully rolled out Rapid Connect in neighboring communities, including Montgomery County, D.C., and Alexandria.
We urge the County to support the adoption of Rapid Connect. Modern life depends on broadband access, and Rapid Connect can expand access much faster than traditional construction methods to foster a more connected community and ensure Prince George’s County remains competitive and prosperous.
Sincerely,
Ashley Greenspan
External Affairs – DC, MD & VA
Crown Castle
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