Fiber Optic Internet Expansion Brings Gigabit Speeds to FPB Customers

FPB introduces NEXTBAND fiber internet service; phased-in installations scheduled for spring 2021.

FRANKFORT – More than 6,000 Frankfort Plant Board customers will soon have access to internet download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. In addition, after months of constructing a cable fiber optic network, FPB staff reports that by spring of 2021 the service will be available to nearly 30 percent of its customers. This kicks off a 5-year plan to bring gigabit speeds to all FPB’s service territory, as well as residents currently unserved by broadband service.

The new high-speed fiber optic internet service is called Nextband. This next generation telecommunication network is designed to meet today's increased internet demands but is adaptable for technologies of tomorrow. Nextband will be the basis on which the Frankfort community will work, learn, communicate, and play over the next several decades.

Nextband is a multimillion-dollar fiber optic infrastructure investment. Its 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps download speeds are the next step, starting at twice as fast as FPB’s Elite internet service.

"We are extremely pleased to bring revolutionary fiber optic broadband technology to Franklin County,” said FPB Telecommunications Product Manager Harvey Couch. “Increasing broadband access is a top priority in Kentucky, and we are excited that Frankfort is leading in this effort."

Fiber has been a large part of FPB’s telecom infrastructure for 20 years. Nextband will bring residential and business customers direct access to that fiber and all of its advantages. In addition to increased speeds, Nextband will be more reliable, secure and flexible than existing copper networks.

Customers with access to the new network will be able to keep their existing service but will be encouraged to upgrade their internet service to Nextband and begin enjoying those benefits fiber provides.

Pricing, speed packages, and coverage areas will be published on FPB’s website at fpb.cc in January.

Availability of Phase 1 installation will be announced in early spring. This provides service in the downtown, South Frankfort, Collins Lane and Leawood Dr. areas. As Phase 1 nears completion, later phases will be announced, and individuals and businesses will be able to pre-register interest for Nextband online.

Stay tuned to fpb.cc and FPB social media platforms, to follow the deployment of this exciting new project for the Frankfort community.

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