Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — After years of anticipation, it appears Hayden will have access to high-speed Internet in about a month through the town's current cable provider.

Not having access to broadband speeds has limited the services some businesses can offer, and it has kept at least one person from moving to Hayden. Town officials say the service is essential to attract businesses and residents to Hayden.

Work has begun on finishing the cable connection between Hayden and Craig that will allow Internet users eight-megabyte download speeds, said Tommy Cotton, Bresnan Communications general manager. At that speed, users will be able to download about two songs per second, about 140 times faster than a dial-up modem connection and more than 30 times faster than the wireless Internet service currently offered.

"We're going to bring it to them," Cotton said. "It will definitely be there."

Bresnan has been trying to complete the connection for two years. Weather still could affect when the service is available because about 12 miles of cable needs to be installed along Hayden roads.

"It's not an issue today, but it could be tomorrow," Cotton said.

Cotton said a Craig contractor is laying the cable and that he does not expect any problems with permits.

Currently, Hayden residents choose between dial-up or wireless technology through NC Telecom for Internet access. The wireless package costs about $45 a month plus an initial installation and activation charge of nearly $500.

In addition to the high-speed Internet connection, Bresnan is adding other services, including DVR recorders. Telephone service can be included in the package. The package with all three services will be available initially for a promotional rate of less than $100 a month, Cotton said.

Completing the connection will give Hayden access to all the services Craig has. Cotton said the company is looking into providing high-definition TV channels. Anticipating growth in Hayden, Bresnan has invested about $100,000 in the town to improve services. Cotton said Bresnan plans to spend as much as $200,000 to finish burying the line.

Cotton said the company will start advertising the service when it becomes available.

-- To reach Matt Stensland, call 871-4210

or e-mail mstensland@steamboatpilot.com