PADUCAH — A new company is working to bring high-speed fiber optic internet to McCracken County, with a focus on underserved communities in need of better access.
RightFiber is an Arkansas based communications technology brand founded by Ritter Communications LLC. Last June, the company announced a $13 million dollar investment plan to expand its fiber optic network into Paducah — its first expansion into the state. The expansion would bring a new option for high-speed internet, television, and telephone coverage.
A RightFiber service vehicle in downtown Paducah.
RIGHTFIBER
During the McCracken County Fiscal Court meeting Monday, commissioners and the judge executive heard the first reading of an ordinance to allow Ritter Communications to begin construction in the county while undergoing the necessary franchising requirements. This franchise will allow the company to provide television services as well as internet.
Construction Communication and Infrastructure Audit Manager Katie Hall said during the fiscal court meeting that the company was looking to start construction for residential services on Aug. 4, with services starting in October so long as the company receives the franchise.
Katie Hall serves as the construction communication and infrastructure audit manager for Ritter Communications, which owns RightFiber.
KATIE HALL
Once the expansion is complete, the company expects to cover 17,000 homes in the Paducah area.
Hall said the company will utilize Paducah’s power poles for the fiber optic cable, as well as underground cable in some areas. Crews have already left door tags in areas where the construction will start to inform residents on the planned work, and provide a hotline for questions and concerns.
Hall said the company works to provide internet access to areas without preexisting or quality access. These expansions aren’t paid for by federal or state grants, but by the company itself. For people in very remote areas, Hall said the company could work out deals to split the cost of expansion 50/50 between the company and the consumer looking for service.
Director of the McCracken County Public Library Justin Brasher said expansion into rural and underserved communities was vital.
HARPER SPAULDING | For The Sun
Director of the McCracken County Public Library Justin Brasher said expansion into rural and underserved communities was vital. As library director, Brasher said he had seen a steady increase in the number of people utilizing their computer and Wi-Fi services. Last year, the library logged more than 110,000 hours of computer and Wi-Fi use in the building.
Brasher said many patrons are worried about the price of internet, and a new company bringing internet services into the area can help spur competition and reduce the prices of internet.
Hall said once construction begins, sales and marketing teams would come to the area to provide more information on pricing and the coverage residents can expect to get.
Harper Spaulding is a reporter for The Paducah Sun. Visit PaducahSun.com to read the full article.