ConxxNE helped DRIVE INDUSTRIES respond to the pandemic by building a 17-tower microwave network in a little more than 6 months to deliver fixed wireless broadband using Ericsson CBRS/LTE technology.

DRIVE is the economic development collaborative for Columbia, Montour, Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties where rural homes and businesses have limited access to broadband.

DRIVE initially partnered with Geisinger Medical System and commissioned ConxxNE to develop a broadband pilot project that showcased several options of fixed wireless technology.

The ConxxNE team and DRIVE leveraged the resources of two fiber providers, three 911 agencies, farmers, private tower owners and private and public landowners under a design-build engagement that provided qualified broadband service for homebound workers and students.

Two independent ISPs, SkyPacket Networks and CentreWISP, are offering residential package plans with speeds up to 100 mb download x 20 mb upload.

Network development continues in order to add coverage and capacity in response to growing residential user demand and to integrate institutional, government and commercial users. Additional network links and fiber connections are in the pipeline that will enhance reliability with a goal of completing an alternate-path ring design.