Wilson building its own fiber-optic network
Wilson leaders want to offer broadband Internet, phone service and cable TV to any business or home in the city limits.
Posted — UpdatedThe city installed a 30-mile loop of fiber optic line about a year ago. Its long-term goal is to help local businesses.
"Our businesses and industries need to be able to send and receive huge amounts of data these days," said Brian Bowman, city spokesman. "Currently, there is no good way for them to do that and the city wants to make sure we provided that to them to make them as competitive as possible."
The Local Government Commission recently approved financing to expand the $28 million project. Wilson plans to offer broadband Internet, phone service and cable TV to any business or home in the city limits. The city said it is faster than anything currently available.
"This is a service that was not provided that we're stepping in to provide," Bowman said.
The plan will create competition with Time Warner, which is currently the largest cable provider in Wilson.
Wilson residents can also choose from several satellite and phone companies. Time Warner representatives said some other cities that have tried their own fiber network failed because of a lack of resources and money.
Wilson city offices are already running on the new fiber system. They expect to sign up the first residential customers by next winter and have it available on all city property within two years.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.