Column: Meridiam's fiber network will expand digital equity for decades to come
We have learned so much during the last two years about remote learning, hybrid work, digital commerce, and the flexibility and ease of telehealth appointments during a busy day. Our ability to connect with others is grounded in the need for fast, reliable internet access.
Unfortunately, after decades of work by existing providers, too many Bloomington residents still do not have access to reliable, fiber-based internet service at speeds that can meet the modern demands of Zoom meetings, streaming video, and an ever-increasing number of internet-connected devices. This is especially true in underserved communities, where upgrades to critical infrastructure have historically been lacking.
In fact, Bloomington’s 2020 Digital Equity Survey confirmed that significant broadband gaps continue to exist and block progress in education, employment, and community participation. This is the perfect time to rethink digital infrastructure as Bloomington grows and continues to attract students, families, and businesses.
Another view: Bloomington's fiber internet agreement is bad public policy
As CEO of the company working with city officials to deliver a next-generation fiber optic network for Bloomington and other Hoosier communities, here is our commitment: working with Mayor John Hamilton, we will aim to provide fiber-based, higher-speed internet in areas where legacy providers have failed to invest and improve digital equity.
First, our goal is to develop a ubiquitous fiber network in every Bloomington neighborhood. We are bringing fiber-based, high-speed internet service to underserved neighborhoods. This much-needed infrastructure will not only meet the city’s future fiber requirements but help shrink the digital divide.
Second, this network foundation is designed to improve digital equity by helping improve digital literacy. Improving fiber connectivity for Bloomington residents currently stuck with lower-speed connections aims to help them gain vital online skills while making the city more attractive for businesses and remote work. While our agreement with the city requires us to build a broadband network that covers at least 85% of Bloomington residences, we are committed to exceeding this target.
Lastly, we are investing over $50 million to advance Bloomington’s digital infrastructure, transferring financial risk to the private sector with no financial obligation from the city to build the network. Working closely with local governments and community stakeholders is central to how we operate as infrastructure developers; it ensures that community concerns, including better education and job creation, drive our work. This hands-on approach commits us to the city’s shared goal of a network that will become an open-access model and encourage fair competition between ISPs.
Building a next-generation network delivers on what residents need now, in contrast to a model of subscriber targets and unmet promises of future upgrades. If we only focus on signing up residents to receive internet speeds that are available today — and there are many good programs, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that helps pay for internet access — we’ll miss the bigger opportunity to invest in better infrastructure that will support Bloomington’s communities for decades to come. Why pay for internet that’s too slow to be effective?
More in opinion: Thanks for the climate committee, IU, now let some students get involved
As a mission-driven company dedicated to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Meridiam believes that investing responsibly can build economic growth and improve people’s lives. We take a long-term approach with our investments, financing and developing assets over extended periods of time. This enables us to deliver high-quality and carefully maintained infrastructure that addresses real community needs. Accordingly, our agreement with Bloomington links our long-term business success to our service performance and success in positively impacting this community.
Building and operating an affordable, high-speed broadband network helps provide equitable access to an essential 21st-century technology. It is that connectivity that will fuel competition and how Bloomington citizens and consumers win.
Nicolas Rubio is CEO of Americas, Meridiam.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Meridiam Americas CEO writes fiber network will improve digital equity
