'10G is the future,' 10G internet could be coming to Warren
WARREN, Ohio - 10G internet could be on its way to the City of Warren.
City council met Thursday to hear from the company behind this proposal, which would improve internet service in the area. As Warren council members have yet to vote on this potential project, 21 News got a glimpse of the concept and how it could benefit future investments and economic development in Warren.
"10G is the future," explained Andrew Herman, 2nd Ward Councilman to 21 News.
"We're bringing Warren, Ohio back to the top of the pile," Scott Andrews, CEO of Packard Fiber said to council. "And we're looking for you folks to possibly work with us."
10G users could expect download and upload speeds up to 1,000 megabytes per second. To compare, the average cable internet speed is around 138 megabytes per second.
Many cities including Youngstown are looking to add 10G to their communities. Cogent, one of the world's largest internet service providers plan to work with Warren through Packard Fiber.
Packard Fiber's StarSpeed proposal welcomes two ways for customers to participate: StarSpeed Beacon or StarSpeed Wireless.
StarSpeed Beacon program is for customers who have tall buildings, towers or other structures where StarSpeed equipment can be installed and connected to a fiber-optic data line or satellite. StarSpeed Wireless is for households and businesses who wish to replace their existing internet service provider.
Andrews explained the StarSpeed idea would not have any price increases, no annual contracts, no data caps, and no equipment fees. "Just total freedom and security knowing your civil rights and privacy are safe and well protected," a project description stated.
"We have some immediate needs to bring $3 million worth of equipment here," Andrews explained to council.
"They want to use the Packard name in preeminence to bring the city back to a city of modern methods," Herman added.
The plan would partially include running more fiber optic cables through the center of Downtown Warren. Councilman Herman said this could truly bring the city into the 21st century.
"That would allow artificial intelligence, biotech, and 3D printing companies to move in here or just data storage and analytics companies too," Herman said.
Council members agree this is a proposal that could put Warren, Ohio on the 10G map.
"I want to see this done as quickly as possible because the legacy of Warren is to lead the way into the emerging industries and future industries," Herman said. "Godspeed to the goddess of speed."
Council will be presented with the official pitch from Packard Fiber in mid-December. They will then vote on $150,000 in funding to kick start the project.
