Plan Needs TCLP Board Approval
Read more: Local, Economy, Business, Community, Tourism, Consumer, TCLP, High Speed Internet, Downtown Traverse City, Morsels, Wifi
TRAVERSE CITY -- Some leaders and business owners in Traverse City claim the community is lacking fast and inexpensive high speed internet. They fear if the city doesn’t catch up with technology of the 21st century soon, it will turn new companies away.
Misha Neidorfler owns Morsels Bite-Sized Bakery & Gourmet Coffee; she has a router that allows her coffee shop to provide wireless internet to customers. She has problems with the connection almost daily.
Neidorfler says "I’ve noticed there are so many connections on this corner that people aren't sure which network they're suppose to sign on to. Sometimes they interfere with each other. It makes the internet not as reliable. Its frustrating if someone is trying to get work done."
The issue is access to high speed internet. Large institutions in Traverse City like Munson Medical Center, schools, and government agencies are all hooked up to a dark fiber system owned by Traverse City Light and Power. It runs across the city. But small businesses and residents are left with expensive internet options from phone and cable companies.
TCLP Executive Director, Ed Rice is aware of the internet frustrations.
"From what I understand, right now you have to kind of position yourself right to get to a point of connectivity to the internet." He says
This summer, Rice plans to light the fiber cable and make it available to everyone.
Rice says "The whole city will be under an umbrella of access to internet though the system.”
The TCLP board must vote on the idea, but its music to the ears of some community members.
Neidorfler says “That would be great. We would be able to do a lot of internet business, fast. It would be awesome.”
While TCLP does not know how much a local area network will cost, Rice says upfront expenses will be paid for by the electric company. For small businesses and residents to jump on board, it won’t cost them an arm and a leg.
Rice says "I think it will be less than what they are paying now through other enterprises. I think it will attract businesses and people will spend more time in the area because now they are going to have full capability to convey day to day business.”
