Oct. 26—A new fiber optics internet provider is working to provide 10,000 households in Lockport with high-speed internet.
According to GoNetspeed's Paul Griswold, senior vice president of global marketing and general manager of New York operations, the company owned by Oak Hill Captial is not receiving any local, state or federal subsidies to provide high-speed internet through infrastructure that's being installed in the city.
"It's not costing the City of Lockport anything," he said.
Mayor Michelle Roman said she's "thrilled" by the possibilities of GoNetspeed.
"With access to another provider option, our residents will have access to a high-speed option that they deserve, allowing us to compete with neighboring communities while improving our growth and retention," she said.
According to Griswold, fiber is more versatile than copper wiring and new technologies can be incorporated more easily through fibers, whereas copper would have to be replaced. The wires for the fibers are being hung on poles throughout the city now, he said. Eighty miles of fiber will be constructed.
Approximately $9 million has been invested to continue installation in the city through next spring, Griswold said. Local service workers will be employed but Griswold describes the operation as fairly self-sufficient.
Chris Brooks, senior director of New York operations, said the prices are affordable and will be in direct competition with Verizon and Spectrum for web surfers and video streaming bingers.
"Ten thousands homes will have the opportunity to be serviced in both the city and the town," Brooks said.
According to Roman, more information will be available in December.
"By end of year people can have access up to 2GB of reliable service. I have asked them to present at a Common Council work session in December to explain their process and service," she said.