Quincy, UK firm continue to work toward fiber optics network

sewer party
Image by gnackgnackgnack via Flickr

By MATT HOPF
Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Quincy [IL] and a United Kingdom-based company remain in contact in hopes of reaching an agreement to install a fiber-optic network throughout the city.

The City Council approved a pilot project in September that allowed the company to install 1,300 feet of fiber-optic cable in municipal sewer lines along South 46th Street.

The cable is laid on the bottom of sewers and anchored down with mats, a process that has been used in the UK.

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iProvo still has some tough hills to climb

iProvo has had a tough time making a go of their network initiative, but now Veracity is doing much better.  Veracity is marketing the network and selling services as well as maintaining the network.  They are generating cash so Provo can make the bond payments minus some operating expenses.  Over time they should be able to generate cash to make the bond payments, operate the network, and eek out a modest profit.  The Provo example shows that municipalities need private sector partners with experience in operating broadband networks and a business.

Genelle Pugmire – Daily Herald

After five years, a couple of owners and few other course corrections, Provo’s fiberoptic network, otherwise known as iProvo, seems to be coming of age, according to Mayor John Curtis.

As he looks back on the year, Curtis said he felt talking to residents about what the fiber optic network is, and is not, has been a benchmark.

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British company seeks to place fiber optic cable in Quincy sewer lines for pilot program

By MATT HOPF
Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Quincy could become one of the first communities in the country to have a fiber optic network installed throughout the whole city.

The city’s Department of Central Services recommended approval of a pilot program to allow United Kingdom-based i3 America to install 1,300 feet of fiber optic cable in municipal sewer lines along South 46th Street. The proposal now heads to the City Council.

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