BIG RAPIDS TOWNSHIP — The Big Rapids Township board of trustees approved a contract with Starlink for internet service at Highbanks Park to provide for the installation of security cameras during its meeting April 2.
The contract with Starlink includes a payment of $599 for hardware and $210 per month for service, which will enable the installation of Wi-Fi-operated security cameras.
“We got the security cameras for the park. We need internet out there to utilize them,” supervisor Carman Bean said. “The cost is quite prohibitive to have Spectrum/Charter internet do it, so we have taken a look at Starlink.”
Township treasurer Penny Currie said previously that they received a quote from Charter Communications, but it was too costly.
“I believe our quote at the time, because they had to bury the cables and come all the way down the drive, it would cost around $80,000, which was not feasible,” Currie said.
The board authorized township clerk Hannah Saez to pursue other potential options for providing internet at the park.
In June 2022, the township board agreed to set aside money from the American Rescue Plan Act funds to support park improvements, including installing security cameras, which were purchased at the time.
The following year, the township completed several upgrades to the park, including a new playground, and upgraded ball fields and dugouts.
Bean said they have made a significant investment in upgrades at the park, and it is important that they be taken care of appropriately.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
