Work continues on making Lexington a so-called "gigabit city." The transition to super high speed internet is expected to take years.
Officials began discussing moving to high speed internet countywide two years ago. City officials says many communities across the country are wrestling with process and cost issues. A public/private partnership is anticipated in Fayette County.
Vice Mayor Steve Kay says the aim is complete coverage, “We had been, I think, fairly clear, as a council, that we were interested in having, whoever bid on this, understand that our interest is in having accessibility in all places."
Chief Information Officer Aldona Valicenti says requests for proposals will likely go out in early 2017. She says the laying of fiber optic cable will involve digging and pole attachments. The cost, much of it likely borne by private companies, is estimated at close to $200 million. ?