FIBER OPTIC INTERNET GIVES OWENSBORO A LEG UP

FIBER OPTIC INTERNET

GIVES OWENSBORO A LEG UP

BY JOHN KIRKPATRICK

In a world consumed with and reliant on technology, Owensboro Municipal Utilities’ fiber optic internet provides the Owensboro community with the ability to compete on a global scale. As opposed to internet services that are reliant on satellites and cables, fiber optic internet utilizes thin flexible fibers of glass and other transparent solids to transmit light signals associated with telecommunications.

The broadband network, called OMUfibernet, began providing Enterprise Level Internet and Telephone services to local businesses in 1997. It wasn’t until recent years that OMU began extending its territory and catering to residential consumers.

With modern advancements in technology and an evolving workforce, communities and industries alike are forced to stay ahead of the curve. Communications Manager Sonya Dixon believes that their internet allows Owensboro to adapt to the evolving needs of society at an efficient pace.

“It’s been our goal to leverage the telecommunications system that we had in place to serve commercial businesses,” said Dixon. “Over the past few years, we’ve managed to extend our services to residential consumers in a territory that continues to expand.”

The greatest advantage of fiberoptic internet is the speed at which it can send data. The data is delivered on a line solely dedicated to the internet, prompting record speeds. Additionally, because the internet line is constructed of glass, it utilizes no electricity, therefore making it less susceptible to blackouts due to power outages.

“Fiber optics is the most reliable service available,” she said. “The fact that we are able to deliver that really does give us a leg up on other communities.”