Hillsdale’s fiber optics network, which began in November of last year with a deal between private provider ACD.net and the Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities, is two weeks away from completion. The fiber has been laid by ACD.net and when testing is done the system will be ready for Hillsdale customers.
“[The network] is great for the city. It’s amazing, we’re very lucky to have this, and our BPU is really on the forefront for getting involved in this,” said City of Hillsdale Director of Economic Development Mary Wolfram.
Wolfram said she is confident that the network, which is a high-speed internet option, will make Hillsdale attractive to outside businesses, since the network allows for faster, more efficient data transfer. Typically, fiber optics networks are installed by providers in large cities with a large customer base, maximizing profits, but the BPU was able to secure the contract with the local internet provider for a small town like Hillsdale.
“Hillsdale has a great opportunity to attract companies with the network, and it’s huge for economic development in the city,” Wolfram said.
The BPU secured cables in the loop — which is a figure eight shape around the north and south ends of the city — to manage its buildings, devices, and substations.
“All of our systems will be connected with our own private line, instead of using other technologies, such as cell phones, which make communication more difficult,” said Chad Culbert, BPU electric distribution superintendent.
The BPU will save money on the fiber optics deal, since current inefficient communication systems are costly to coordinate. The fiber optic system will allow the BPU to maximize management of their properties.
Kevin Meeker, the project’s coordinator at ACD.net, said the Hillsdale fiber optics network is the first of its size to be built in Michigan. He said since the new system is less expensive and offers faster Internet connection than is available in Hillsdale today, Hillsdale residents will now be able to afford faster Internet than ever before.
“I love being on the cutting edge of technology,” Meeker said.
