Here in South Carolina, we are seeing community development happen in a number of different walks of life. Case in point: fiber optic internet access, which has the capacity for today’s internet needs and anticipates tomorrows.
As just one example, Lumos has made a technology infrastructure investment in South Carolina’s Richland and Lexington Counties, bringing internet service across the greater Columbia area.
Additionally, this type of technology can help underserved areas and create economic advantages right here in the local communities including Forest Acres and Arcadia Lakes in Richland County, as well as West Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, Irmo, and Springdale in Lexington County.
According to the tech company, this is the first investment it has made in the South Carolina region and the expansion will cover the area with nearly 1,200 miles of the latest fiber optic technology, with a capital investment of more than $100 million.
These fiber networks use technology available with speeds of up to 5 Gbps x 5 Gbps, equating to 385 times faster uploads and 30 times faster downloads than traditional cable.
The engineering work will start in the middle of this year and construction will follow soon after. Residents can expect communication by mail once this begins.
This type of connectivity is needed for all—especially as we are talking about the digital divide and ongoing economic development in a post-COVID era. In recent years, we have seen the rise of telemedicine, videoconferencing, and so much more that necessitates faster speeds and feeds.
All communities need access to this type of connectivity if we want to continue forward in a more connected way. What are you seeing in your own communities? Are tech companies and community leaders stepping up to the plate for residents and local businesses? What would you like to see happen next in your own community? Personally, I can’t wait until we have this technology, especially considering all the speeds, feeds, and every device we desire to have connected in our homes. Only time will tell if the cost is worth the speed for all the capacity for today’s internet needs and connecting tomorrow’s next smart-connected thing.
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