American Broadband announced today they are deploying Internet over fiber technology to businesses around the Blair community in order to enhance their Internet service. Fiber optic based-Internet is more technologically advanced than traditional copper-based Internet, resulting in faster speed capabilities, more reliable connections and superior bandwidth.
Company President and General Manager Joe Jetensky said bringing fiber to businesses in the community has been in the works for quite some time. Following the hail storm last June, like much of the community, many of American Broadband’s outside wiring and equipment was left heavily damaged. “We had to switch gears from deploying fiber to focusing on damage repair left in the wake of the storm,” said Jetensky. Although the storm was a setback, Jetensky said American Broadband employees have been working hard to make fiber a reality.
Jetensky also mentioned work will begin immediately on making fiber available to businesses around Blair. “It will take time to get to all businesses in the area, but we have a plan in place to make sure this goes as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Jetensky. Businesses will see an increase in their speed once fiber has been installed, which will also come at no extra cost to the business.
During 2014, American Broadband also upgraded their Internet backbone, which provides more bandwidth to areas within Washington County. According to Shane Morris, Broadband Supervisor for the company, “Many Internet companies have had growing pains over the past few years due to the amount of bandwidth customers now use. Multiple devices used in the home, and video streaming are just two reasons why many people need more bandwidth than they may have a few short months ago.” Morris also stated American Broadband has been working around the clock over the past several months to increase bandwidth and improve network stability. “We are committed to meeting the needs of our customers and offering a solid product,”said Morris.
According to Jetensky, the main goal of American Broadband is to continue to grow and expand broadband service offerings in order to better serve the growing Internet needs of all customers. Currently, technologies are being researched to address the residential sectors of Washington County. While fiber may be the best solution, it takes time to overbuild a community. Other solutions may be more viable in order to bring faster Internet speeds to residential customers within a shorter time frame. American Broadband will continue to update consumers as progress is made.