The fiber optic wiring of Lexington neighborhoods and businesses inside the urban service boundary is winding down. It’s an infrastructure project deemed by city leaders as a way to bring competition into the central Kentucky market.
MetroNet General Manager for the Kentucky Market Darrick Zucco says the ‘city build’, passing by some 100,000 homes and businesses in Lexington is largely completed. He added it’s been an $80 million investment. “I can say too that this is our most successful market in our company to date, so we’re very thrilled to be here,” said Zucco.
Lexington Chief Information Officer Aldona Valicenti said she’s monitored the high speed installation month by month. “There’s two parts to this. One of them is that competition. And the second part is the speed of the internet,” explained Valicienti.
Both Valicienti and Zucco admit challenges remain in wiring rural areas. Zucco said advanced commitments can help further an extension. “A lot of times we’ll say, if you guys can pre-signup x-percent in advance of a commitment to build, we’ll consider going in there,” Zucco said.
Zucco noted cost-sharing is another option. Lexington Chief Information Officer Aldona Valicienti said the Bluegrass Area Development District is working with a number of central Kentucky counties regarding new broadband. “There’s not going to be one solution for 17 counties. There’s probably going to be multiple solutions. And it’s probably not all digging or going over the poles,” Valicienti said.
Valicienti it’s a much more difficult question, determining what’s feasible and affordable.
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