Is Lexington now the largest gigabit city? MetroNet completes fiber-optic network
An ambitious plan to install fiber-optic cable capable of delivering high-speed internet to Lexington’s downtown was completed this week, making Lexington one of the largest “gigabit” cities in the country, city officials said.
The city of Lexington announced Tuesday MetroNet, an Indiana-based company, had completed installing more than 4.4 million feet of fiber-optic lines throughout the city.
It took the company a little more than two and a half years to complete the installation.
The news comes as more than 30,000 Fayette County Public School students logged on to computers Wednesday to start the first day of school virtually.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, higher internet speeds were seen as a must to keep and attract jobs. Now with coronavirus restrictions on crowd sizes and so many employees and students turning to the Internet to learn and to work, high-speed internet has become a necessity
“A citywide fiber network gives Lexington a competitive advantage, as we work to attract and grow jobs,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “MetroNet’s enormous investment in our city is an investment in a brighter future for our citizens.”
Announced under former Mayor Jim Gray in November 2017, MetroNet spent north of $75 million to install the cable. No taxpayer dollars were spent. MetroNet started installing fiber-optic cable in early 2018.
Gigabit speed is equivalent to transferring data at 1,000 megabits per second. It’s not clear how many people in Lexington have signed up for MetroNet’s highest speed services. The company said Tuesday “thousands” have signed up for MetroNet’s services. According to its website, 1 gig and whole-home wireless starts at $69.99 a month.
Gigabit cities have fiber-optic cables throughout the city, making faster internet access available. Chattanooga, Tenn. and Lafayette, La. were some of the first cities to complete installation. Chattanooga has a population of a little more than 180,000. Lexington’s population is more than 320,000.
That makes Lexington one of largest cities in Kentucky and the country to offer high-speed internet throughout the city, city officials said. The service is only available inside the urban service boundary.
MetroNet has expanded its operations to surrounding areas. It is currently building out fiber-optic networks in Nicholasville, Versailles and Richmond.
