What this means for local businesses is an opportunity not only to have high-speed Internet, but also daily use like storing data, videoconferencing with customers and clients. Small businesses will see advantages in managing their websites.
City officials and CenterGrid have been working on the project since 2014. One of the first benefactors of the deal has been the Hamilton Mill, the city’s business incubator.
“As the initial pilot site, CenterGrid’s service has resulted in the Mill receiving network connectivity that is better than 83 percent of Internet connections throughout the US — that is huge,” Chris Lawson, executive director of the Hamilton Mill said. “For the types of companies that we are attracting, this level of connectivity is imperative for them to be successful.”
Doug Childs, director of public utilities, said the city has been investigating how to use the fiber optic network for economic development purposes, and the deal with CenterGrid will help make that happen.
“The city and CenterGrid worked closely together to develop a common, disciplined and well laid out business case. I believe this partnership will encourage economic growth and development within the city for many years to come,” he said.
CenterGrid President Tim Campbell said the deal brings an economic and business advantage to Hamilton businesses.
“This initiative is a new beginning for Hamilton Fiber. Using the high-speed ‘fiber grid’ to connect its business community with our Hamilton data center, we can now deliver next generation computing solutions at previously unheard of cost,” he said. “This service will put Hamilton, Ohio on the cyber map with other Google “fiber-hoods” like Atlanta, Austin, Salt Lake City, Kansas City.”
Hamilton’s fiber optic network is a 60 mile loop that covers the majority of the business corridors throughout the city. The network’s ring topology provides overall higher reliability and improved service levels for customers connecting to the network.
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