Powell, Wyoming moves toward municipal high speed network

Hay and beans have fueled this rural economy for years. But it’s fiber of another kind that city leaders believe is key to Powell’s future.

Plans are under way to build an ultrafast fiber optic network capable of delivering Internet, cable and phone service to virtually every household and business in this city of about 5,300 people. The goal is to create another selling point for a community where traditional quality of life issues — good schools and safe streets — are no longer enough to attract highly coveted new businesses.

"As a city administrator, I hear the term ‘economic development’ thrown around," said Zane Logan, the leading voice behind the CityNet project. "I can’t think of anything more economic-development minded than a fiber optic network."

Powell is part of a growing phenomenon driven, in part, by dissatisfaction with Internet or cable service in what are often sparsely populated areas, according to market researcher Michael Render; at least 40 municipalities and public utility districts already offer local customers so-called "fiber to the home."

By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press writer

Full Story: http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2006/08/07/news/wyoming/419f1cae6fd29e87872571c200210e8f.txt