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BY TERRI HUGHES-LAZZELL
While some Bluffton residents and businesses have been enjoying the wonder of fiber optics for phone and data – Internet – they also now have the full “FIOS” package with TV added and available, beginning June 1.
About one-third of Bluffton has been “wired” with fiber optic lines by Adams Wells Telecom. This technology, using glass threads to transmit data – more data with less interference, transmitted digitally – makes Bluffton stand out when it comes to attracting business.
“It’s very positive and a key component of the economic development effort because we’re in an information-based economy,” said Mike Row, Wells County’s Economic Development Director. “It’s essential for growth.”
Row added that when requests come in for information about available commercial sites, both existing buildings and new construction sites, fiber is always contained with the specs. And, the area can be knocked off a list for consideration if that is lacking.
“Fiber is a consistent service, and businesses prefer it,” he added.
Part of Craigville Telephone Co., Adams Wells Telecom, began the planning process for the fiber optic project in Bluffton four years ago. And to date has completed three of seven phases.
“To build all of Bluffton is a major project, that’s why we’re doing it in phases,” said Lee VonGunten, general manager.
Now, about one-third of Bluffton has been completed – from State Road 124 North to State Road 1 and north, including the area towards River Terrace, to County Road 250 North. In addition, the West Business Corridor, which includes Adams Street south from Indiana 124 to the new Indiana Bio-Energy plant, and Western Avenue to the county jail has been wired.
TV has also recently been added to those who were wired for Internet and phone.
The response from residents and businesses has been positive, with about 40 percent taking services available in the first 2 ½ years, VonGunten said. About 1,200 residents and businesses have the services available to them.
“We’re scheduling people all the time, and it’s mostly word of mouth,” he said.
So, why the popularity? VonGunten said it’s the reduced downtime that fiber offers.
The next phase will be the largest of the fiber optic project, from Elm Grove Road and south, adding 800-900 potential customers, passing their residents or businesses with fiber optic wire. The majority of the planning and engineering for that project has been completed. Work will likely begin late summer, VonGunten said.
For those who don’t have fiber optic available in their area yet, VonGunten said all of Bluffton should be finished in about four years.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to bring quality service to our area, and this is part of that,” VonGunten said. “This (the fiber optic project) will bring Bluffton beyond what most cities its size, and even much larger, can offer.”