Mike Higdon

mhigdon@rgj.com



Last December, AT&T announced they would bring gigabit-speed internet to Reno and today they launched those services in parts of Reno, Sparks and surrounding communities. AT&T Fiber network will bring one gigabit connections to area houses, apartments and small business.

Fiber-optic, gigabit internet is more than 10 times faster than the highest traditional cable speeds. Fiber optic speeds range from 100 megabits per second to 100 gigabits per second, depending on the service, monthly fee and infrastructure. Most cable internet providers offer a maximum of 60 megabits per second. AT&T will offer 1 gigabit.

The real benefit of fiber optics is that it allows more simultaneous use, alleviating slowdowns caused by high traffic times or multiple devices in a house or neighborhood. Studies show that up to 50 internet-connected devices or appliances will all compete for internet bandwidth within a single home, necessitating a larger tunnel for data. Fiber will provide that tunnel.

The Reno area is one of 44 metros nationwide where ultra-fast internet service is currently available through AT&T. They plan to reach at least 67 metros with this service, according to a news release.

AT&T bringing ultra-fast gigabit internet to Reno

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You can download 25 songs in 1 second or a 90-minute HD movie in less than 34 seconds on the top-speed service.

"Our customers are increasingly interacting with their world in more data-intensive ways," Stephanie Tyler, president of AT&T Nevada, said in a news release. "A growing number of people are streaming content directly from their devices and interacting with family and friends through live videos. As we begin today to bring our fastest internet speeds to residents of our community, we're continuing to work to meet those needs."

AT&T's infrastructure was privately funded, but the Reno City Council and Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada saw it as a boon for the growing economy in the region.

"The 100 percent fiber network that AT&T is beginning to put in place demonstrates AT&T's continued investment in our community," said Vice Mayor Neoma Jardon, in a news release. "Access to high-speed internet allows our community to connect in the most efficient way possible and continues to grow our economic foundation."

The University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas share a gigabit internet backbone that is one of the fastest in the country, said Steve Smith, Vice Provost for Information Technology at UNR. Some Charter Communications customers throughout the region, also have access to gigabit speeds through traditional cable lines. And another independent company, called Lightcore Group, is also competing to provide fiber services.

Internet-only pricing for customers who choose AT&T Internet 1000, start at $90 per month. An AT&T fiber locator map allows customers to see what locations are connected and if the speeds are offered at their home.

Mike Higdon is the city life reporter at the RGJ and can be found on Instagram @MillennialMike and on Facebook at Mike Higdon, Reno Life.