A Louisville Metro Council committee Tuesday voted to award three franchise agreements to companies to install the infrastructure needed for ultra high-speed internet access in the city.The measure now goes before the full Metro Council, which could consider it as early as Thursday.Last week, the Metro Council's Public Works, Bridges and Transportation committee declined to vote on the agreements, which would allow the companies run fiber cabling through neighborhoods and commercial districts. Some committee members voiced concernsthen that they didn't have enough details.“The Metro Council took its due diligence to review these three franchise agreements and ensure that each would benefit the people of Louisville,” said Republican Councilman Kevin Kramer, who represents the 11th district.The companies are:
- BGN Networks LLC– Louisville. Will work to install a small scale residential service in downtown Louisville.
- SiFi Networks Louisville, L.L.C.—London, England. Will work to install a community wide residential service.
- Fiber Technologies Networks, L.L.C.—Rochester, N.Y. Will work to install service to some commercial areas.
Ted Smith, the director of the city’s office of civic innovation, said the new fiber connection would provide customers with internet speeds up to 100 times faster than what is currently available.He said the added service will also encourage competition among providers, which can benefit customer by adding options and lowering prices.“Every market that has ultra high-speed internet has customers that love it,” Smith said.