SOUTH RIVER — The Borough Council could approve a deal for high-speed Internet access at tonight’s meeting.
For some time now, the borough has been exploring the possibility of allowing Metricom a right of way to put up wireless modem units on light and utility poles.
If the resolution is approved, 14 of the wireless units would be installed.
The Borough Council will likely introduce the resolution at tonight’s council meeting, which is scheduled for 7:30 in the South River High School library.
Late last month, Stanley Morrow, a representative from Metricom’s regional office in Harrison, appeared before the council, requesting the township allow the company a right of way.
In return, Morrow said, the borough would get 10 free subscriptions, $1,500 per year administrative fee guaranteed, a $60-per-pole annual usage fee paid to the borough from the company and electrical fees for pole usage paid to the borough.
Under the deal, however, the borough would have to purchase a modem for access, which costs about $100, Morrow said.
Also, the borough would have to pay for an Internet service provider under the nonexclusive agreement.
According to Morrow, the average cost for an Internet service provider for a municipality is $75 per month.
The agreement can be severed if the borough is not satisfied with the service.

