Connecticut would become the next state to offer ultra high-speed “gigabit” Internet service under an initiative announced on Monday.
Gigabit networks provide Internet access at speeds of up to 1,000 megabits, or 1 gigabit per second, which are over 30 times as fast as the national average. At such a speed, users could download a two hour high-definition movie in just 30 seconds, compared with 15 minutes under a typical connection.
Should Connecticut’s gigabit network come to fruition, New Haven, West Hartford and Stamford would be among a select group of communities across the country to offer the high-speed service. Only 27 U.S. cities offer gigabit Internet, compared to just two cities a year ago. Success in Connecticut could provide the roadmap necessary to promote the widespread adoption of gigabit Internet across the country.
Connecticut’s broadband proposal has received a stamp of approval from the Federal Communications Commission. “I’m heartened to see these leaders commit to bring gigabit connectivity to the businesses and consumers of central Connecticut,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement.
The FCC has tried to promote gigabit adoption in the past. Last year, former FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski issued a “Gigabit City Challenge” calling for at least one gigabit community in each state by 2015.
Mayors from the pilot cities asked for information from companies interested in bidding on deployment project. Local leadership predicted that the project would spur economic growth and vowed to provide free or steeply discounted Internet service to impoverished communities.
