News

Anti-muni house bill goes to commitee; victory for cities

Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Category: Fiber Optic Network

The house bill that would have threatened Wilson's fiber optic network was moved to a study committee Tuesday afternoon where it will stay until 2009. Cities across NC count this as a victory for local rights.

Wilson has been expanding its fiber optic network and will continue to do so. Once the network is complete, we will offer Internet broadband service, TV service and telephone service to any city address that asks for it. Only subscriber money will be used to pay for it; no tax money will be used.

"We're grateful to members of the house finance commitee," said City Manager Grant Goings. "They specifically said that the grass roots effort from dozens of cities and organizations, including Wilson, influenced their decision."

Wilson's all-fiber network is growing each day as crews add it to underground utility areas and above-ground areas. The city expects to offer services in the first quarter of next year.