CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, Irving - The Seneca Nation of Indians has announced plans to bring broadband high-speed internet capability to the Nation's territory here are moving forward and should be complete this year.
During the last year, steps have been taken to conduct a site survey in preparation of erecting a wireless tower on the Cattaraugus Territory. Seneca Telecommunica-tions, a subsidiary of Seneca Holdings, worked on the project under the supervision of the Nation's Capital Improvements Authority and Nation Treasurer Brad John.
Seneca Telecomm will next analyze the feasibility of providing broadband internet access on the territory, home to about 4,000 Nation members. Seneca Telecomm performed an onsite assessment and is analyzing the data obtained to determine what options are available. Its technicians will report back to the Nation's Council later this month on their findings.
The territory, which straddles Routes 5 & 20 in a valley along the Lake Erie shoreline in Irving, currently has poor internet access for most internet and smart phone service. The major problem is antiquated phone lines, which limit most people to very slow dial up service for internet access.
This project, in the works for some time, would improve the situation.
This development comes in the wake of last week's announcement that the Nation leaders, acting on a retail feasibility study completed this summer, are considering the next phase of plans that could lead to a 400,000-square-foot outlet mall on a 108-acre site just off Exit 58 of the state Thruway near here.
If the project continues forward, it's expected to create an estimated 250 construction jobs and 750 full- and part-time retail jobs when fully built out.
