Columbus invests in creating largest city owned fiber network!!

Wanted to make you aware of some very exciting economic development/technology news here in Columbus, Ohio as the City continues to construct what is believed to be the largest city owned fiber network in the nation.

This past Monday evening, the Columbus City Council approved the next step in enhancing greater fiber and broadband connectivity in Columbus. Unlike other municipalities that lease conduit and fiber, Columbus has taken the more cost effective approach and has purchased some 200 miles worth of infrastructure. The acquisition will allow Columbus to use the network as an economic development tool to attract and retain high-tech businesses to our city. The network will also enhance the ability of our public safety forces to communicate in the field and can be used by numerous city departments, local educators and those in the medical field to better share information and data.

(Ben's note: Thanks to Councilman Troy Miller for sponsoring this initiative)

City leadership is extremely proud of Forbes Magazines’ designation of Columbus as the “#1 up-and-coming tech city” in 2008 and with assets such as the Battelle Memorial Institute, The Ohio State University, and small business incubator Tech Columbus, we are working hard to maintain that momentum as a leader in the national and global marketplace.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact me.

Thanks,

John Ivanic

Communications Director

Columbus City Council

614-645-6798