BUZZARDS BAY — OpenCape is in the process of building a 10-gigabit fiber optic network for Main Street businesses in partnership with the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce.
The Barnstable-based nonprofit owns and operates a 100% fiber optic network that reaches across the Cape and Islands, southeastern Massachusetts and portions of Rhode Island. OpenCape has connected the Cape's public libraries, many municipal buildings and small businesses in downtown Falmouth, Hyannis and Woods Hole to what CEO Steven Johnston calls the most reliable broadband internet.
Johnston said OpenCape is in phase 1 of the Buzzards Bay project, laying the groundwork for the future. A 10G system offers faster download and upload speeds.
According to OpenCape CFO Eric Ennes, the system will offer 10 gig services for small businesses and tangentially located residents on Main Street initially. The entry-level service offers 250 Mbps download/125 Mbps upload for $55 for residents and $80 a month for businesses. Internet Service at 500 Mbps, 1G, 5G and 10G is also available if needed.
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"This will help drive new business to Main Street Buzzards Bay and grow the economy of the region," Ennes wrote in an email to the Times.
Johnston estimated that between 90 and 100 businesses are located between Belmont Circle and Buttermilk Bay Bridge. He did not have the number of businesses that have signed up for the service.
Cape Cod Canal Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Marie Oliva said the chamber acted as the catalyst to inform, educate, and contact Main Street businesses.
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The chamber will hold a concert celebrating the partnership at Buzzards Bay Park, Main Street on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Denise Coffey writes about business and tourism. Contact her at dcoffey@capecodonline.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Businesses and some residents to get access to OpenCape network