Written by Hans Arndt
As one of the founding members of LakelandFiberNOW, I believe that an important goal of the group is to increase competition throughout Lakeland for its internet service. Lakeland has fewer options than many other cities in the I-4 corridor area. As a result, many Lakelanders face higher prices, lower speeds, and inadequate support from their ISP. LakelandFiberNOW feels that there may be a way to foster competition by building a municipally-owned high-speed fiber network. Having access to another provider means more choices, bringing better pricing and faster speeds to all of its residents.
LakelandFiberNOW acknowledges the high cost associated with investing in the infrastructure required to provide this internet. Still, we feel that if we follow the roadmap set forth by other communities like Chattanooga, TN- who have greatly benefited from their own network- we can invest in infrastructure that will empower our community for generations to come.
In many cases, Lakeland already has its foot in the door when it comes to delivering the internet. It already has 330+ miles of dark fiber already installed throughout the Lakeland Electric service area and a utility that has provided critical Electric services for over 100 years. Also, Lakeland already delivers high-speed wireless internet to the downtown area, and there are already over twenty groups using the existing fiber infrastructure to bring them high-speed internet as well. The next logical step is to offer that same service to all Lakelanders so that they too, can benefit.
Hans Arndt
LakelandFiberNOW is an awareness-focused non-profit whom is advocating for the investment of a municipal fiber network throughout the Lakeland area- You can find us at:
https://lakelandfibernow.com & https://www.facebook.com/LakelandFiberNOW/
& We have a Tent @ First Friday Downtown across from Revival