Memphis is shedding its old skin for a brand new fiber-optic network, with the city aiming to ramp up its internet connectivity. Mayor Paul Young declared a major digital upgrade for Memphis, announcing that a fiber broadband project is set to cover 85% of the city, offering significant boosts in speed, access, and affordability. According to WREG, the current internet speeds in Memphis lag behind those in comparable cities, a situation that local officials are eager to change.
Blue Suede Network is spearheading the infrastructure effort, laying down an extensive 3,400-mile network of fiber cables. This endeavor will represent a hefty investment into Memphis neighborhoods, "hundreds of millions of dollars" going into areas across the income spectrum, as FOX13 reported. Charles Elliott, CEO of Blue Suede Network, described the transformative potential of the project, with benefits stretching from residential telehealth services to enhanced public safety. "It also gives them the opportunity to work from home, more remote jobs," Elliott told WREG.
While the rollout will start in East Memphis, Mayor Young stressed the importance of bridging the digital gap in low-income districts. Citing a dire need for connectivity in areas like 38126, where over 80% of residents lack high-speed internet, Young pledged that this project would bring equitable internet access city-wide. "In order to have those real time feeds and the number of cameras that we want to blanket the community, you need this high-speed internet connectivity," Young emphasized during a FOX13 discussion.
Backing the technical side, Meridiam's Blue Suede Networks and partner ISP Ting are preparing to offer 2-gigabit symmetrical service to Memphis residents, targeting the first connections in Q3 2024. "Today we break ground on a new infrastructure project and start to break through the digital barriers that will expand our city’s potential," Mayor Young celebrated in a statement obtained by Morningstar. As the project unfolds, its progress will likely draw significant attention, with economic boon and digital equity on the horizon for this Southern city.
Details about the cost to customers remain hazy; however, Ting's current rates stand at $89 a month for home fiber service. Elliott assured that there is a commitment to extend services to "low-wage incomes" neighborhoods. Whether there will an assistance program for those unable to afford the service is still unclear, an issue FOX13 is investigating further.
