A national trade association that represents municipal cable and communications systems has named MI-Connection as its 2009 Community Broadband Project of the Year. In announcing the award, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors cited the towns because they “refused to accept sub-standard broadband and cable service and decided to deliver better quality themselves.”

MI-Connection is owned by the towns of Mooresville and Davidson and serves 15,270 customers in north Mecklenburg and south Iredell. Since buying the system in December 2007, they have spent more than $20 million to upgrade equipment and cable lines. The improvements have added more TV channels, faster internet speeds, and new services, including video on demand and telephone service.

The towns are in the midst of overhauling governance of the system as it faces larger than expected deficits and has not met growth projections. The towns are  seeking new members for the system’s board and planning to elect a new chairman. MI-Connection and the private company the towns have hired to run the system,  BVU of Bristol Virginia, also are looking for a general manager. Whoever is hired for the new position would oversee management of the local cable system as it seeks to grow after the system upgrade.

In its own press release Monday, MI-Connection quoted former chairman and Davidson Town Board member Evan Webster, who said the recognition was “affirming.”

Mr. Webster, chairman until mid-August, said: “Despite some trying times, we never gave up or second-guessed our decisions … With the system’s latest upgrades completed, MI-Connection is moving forward and applying the technology to achieve enhanced economic growth and improved quality of life for the great people of our communities.”

Acting board chair John Kasberger said the towns have critical tasks ahead. “Going forward, our time and energy should be invested in making the most of the technology. We still have much to do.”

LINKS

Sept. 14, 2009, MI-Connection press release announcing the award. (PDF)

Sept. 9, 2009, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors announcement of 2009 Community Broadband Awards.

Previous coverage of MI-Connection on DavidsonNews.net, in the Cable TV category.