A citywide fiber internet connection is close to becoming a reality for Bloomington, according to a press release from Mayor John Hamilton.

Hamilton said 12 internet providers responded to a request for information from the city. Since beginning negotiations, the number of partners the city is considering has grown smaller.

“We’ve narrowed the potential partners down from the original twelve who responded to our request for information and are in intensive and detailed negotiations with strong potential partners,” Hamilton said.

The internet the city envisions covers all of Bloomington and offers gigabit speeds to all areas. A gigabit is 1 billion bits.

“Gigabit broadband is growing in the U.S. and we need it here,” Hamilton said. “The world is changing fast, and with fiber speeds 50 times greater than current services, applications and options that haven’t even been developed yet will change our lives and the economy.”

Hamilton and Bloomington Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Lynn Coyne said they believe high-speed internet is essential for Bloomington’s economy.

“High-speed broadband access is an essential service if our local employers are to thrive and be competitive in a data- and technology-driven competitive environment,” Coyne said in the release.

Increased property value and attractiveness to businesses and potential investors are among the benefits the mayor said he hopes citywide high-speed internet will create.

Additionally, the network will be mostly privately funded and open-access. Multiple internet providers, including local providers such as Smithville Fiber, will be able to offer fiber internet as part of their services.

Among other technical qualifications, Hamilton said the ideal partner for the city will offer specific programs for lessening Bloomington’s digital divide.

“Although it is a daunting challenge, there are various ways to make digital access more available and more affordable for all,” Hamilton said.

Construction of the citywide internet network is anticipated to begin early 2017.

“Bloomington has the opportunity by the end of 2016 to select a partner and announce another option for residents and businesses of Bloomington who want and need gigabit internet speed,” Hamilton said.

Lyndsay Jones

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