The Franklin County Board of County Commissioners convened on September 24, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding internet service provision for the county. The meeting focused primarily on the selection of a new internet service provider, with a proposal from AT&T being the central topic of discussion.

The county's current internet service costs approximately $550 per month, a figure that is set to increase significantly with the proposed AT&T solution. Despite the higher cost, the county's representative emphasized that AT&T offers the most reliable service compared to other competitors, such as QuickComm, Gateway Fiber, and Vibe. Concerns were raised about the reliability of these alternatives, particularly in light of the county's increasing reliance on cloud-based services for financial management and other operations.

The representative expressed confidence in AT&T's capabilities, citing the company's resources and cybersecurity measures as advantages. The discussion highlighted the importance of uninterrupted internet service, especially as the county transitions more services online. The representative noted that any outages would be unacceptable given the county's operational needs.

The urgency of the decision was underscored by the anticipated two-month construction window required to establish the new service. The commissioners were keen to avoid incurring higher costs associated with delays, which could escalate to $1,500 per month if the transition was not completed promptly.

After thorough deliberation, the board unanimously approved the contract with AT&T for internet services. The decision reflects a commitment to ensuring reliable internet access for county operations, with the expectation that the new service will meet the growing demands of the county's digital infrastructure. The meeting concluded with a clear path forward for the implementation of the new internet service, reinforcing the county's focus on maintaining efficient and effective operations.