| The
Advanced
Internet Satellite Extension Project chose Garrett and Somerset
counties as the location for the Tachyon
Access Point system. The objective of the project
which concerns the counties is to explore
the deployment and integration of distance education applications
including collaborative applications at rural remote institutions
and extension learning centers that have been previously unable to
access such technology.
Somerset County is
located in Maryland’s lower eastern shore
region. The County was
established in 1666. Somerset Country is an area rich in Maryland
history. The county has more historic buildings and site per capita
than any other county in Maryland. However, the county is one of the
poorest counties in Maryland and its test scores are among the worst
in the nation.
Similar to Garrett
County, tourism is the major industry in the Somerset County.
According to Chris Guy of the Baltimore Sun, there has been a
consistent decline in school enrollment due to low birth rates and a
lack of jobs. The county’s source of income is limited, as such,
the state accounts for 65% of the school budget. county’s employee
salaries are among the lowest in the state.
The Tachyon
Access Point hopes to bring to Garrett Somerset county advance technology
resources via satellite technology.
The Woodrow Wilson Community
Center will accommodate the Tachyon Access Point system for
the
county. The center will also be in charge of
training and maintaining the equipment. The project is
a NSF/ADEC project
partnering with PowerUp in the state of Maryland to help bridge the
digital divide in Garrett and Somerset County. PowerUp will provide
hardware, software and some level of internet access while Tachyon
will provide the technology. The University of Maryland will provide
administrative support to the project. |