NEXTBAND fiber optic internet now available in areas of Franklin County

FRANKFORT – The first customers of NEXTBAND, the Frankfort Plant Board’s fiber optic internet service, have now been activated. The next-generation service is now available in areas throughout Franklin County, as part of a 5-year plan to bring gigabit speeds to all FPB’s service territory, as well as residents currently unserved by broadband service. This gives customers access to internet download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.

“This is just the beginning,” said FPB General Manager Gary Zheng. “FPB understands the importance of reinvesting back into the community we serve in order to enhance the quality of life. Building out NEXTBAND to the entire community is a long-term commitment that will give all of our customers access to the fastest internet speeds around.”

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. While 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. It will provide higher-quality TV and gameplay experiences, in addition to the ability to better connect with multiple devices.

“Becoming a gig city is a great step forward for Frankfort to reach our growth potential and goals,” said Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. “It makes our community more appealing when it comes to recruiting new industries and businesses, promoting educational opportunities, and attracting remote workers.”

NEXTBAND is designed to meet today's increased internet demands but is adaptable for technologies of tomorrow. The new fiber network will be the basis on which the Frankfort community will work, learn, communicate, and play over the next several decades.

“Access to a fiber gigabit connection, will not only be beneficial when it comes to recruiting new businesses, but it so better serve the long-standing businesses in our city,” said Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce President Tish Shade. “With a fiber link, there’s enough bandwidth and speed to support the needs of a growing business today, while also being ready for the demands and devices of the future.”

After more than a year of constructing a cable fiber optic network, FPB staff reports that NEXTBAND is available to nearly 30 percent of its customers. 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 additional information can be found on FPB’s website at fpb.cc In addition, an individual or business can check to see if they are in the initial service area by visiting www.NEXTBAND.com and entering their address.

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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