Columbus, other Indiana cities working to contract high-speed internet

A plan to bring high-speed internet to about 80-percent of Columbus and Bartholomew County residents is in the works.

The city recently approved a letter of intent with infrastructure developer Meridiam to build and operate a broadband network.

Meridiam is also working with the city of Bloomington, Martinsville, Shelbyville, and others. Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop says the offer came from Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton.

“The Meridiam people had approached Bloomington and indicated that they were interested in building a network there," Lienhoop said. "But Bloomington wasn't big enough for that, they wanted to make a substantial investment $100 million.”

LISTEN TO MORE: Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop on "Ask The Mayor"

Lienhoop says he hopes contracts can be negotiated and signed by the end of the year. He says the county will help fund part of the construction outside city limits.

“This will be a game changer, because we're talking gig speeds down and a pretty substantial speed up,” Lienhoop said.

The network will be an open-access model, meaning any internet service provider may lease the infrastructure after an initial restricted period. Bloomington’s Hamilton says it will help home healthcare, home businesses, and home education.

He says Meridiam will build the $40 million network without a financial commitment from the city, but both parties are exploring a financial partnership to improve access for residences in low-income areas. 

Lienhoop says he thinks low-income areas will be more desirable for Meridiam.

“Because of the lower price that they hope to be able to offer. They'll get a higher uptake or higher penetration rates in those areas," Lienhoop said. "So I'm a little less concerned about that.”

Construction could begin next year.