Mayor Greg Fischer
- On Louisville
“A high-speed broadband network has quickly become viewed as critical urban infrastructure, similar to electricity, water and roadways. As a city we want to create a world-leading gigabit capable network with comparable and reasonable prices that will foster innovation, drive job creation and stimulate economic growth.”
- On Next Century Cities
“Joining Next Century Cities is a great way for Louisville to work with other cities facing similar challenges. Collaboration is imperative and it fuels the exchange of ideas which contributes to the success of cities around the country. Next Century Cities will help provide an adequate foundation to propel Louisville forward in a technology-based economy.”
- What Louisville is working on
Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Bat Factory, bourbon and so much more! On the banks of the Ohio River, Louisville is a city on the move, especially when it comes to broadband.
From the start, Louisville made a commitment to make general, business-friendly, fiber-friendly policy changes to attract companies. In 2013, Louisville issued a global call for companies and organizations to consider building a high speed gigabit network in Louisville. The request’s three goals:
- Creating a world-leading gigabit-capable network across the city to foster innovation, drive job creation and stimulate economic growth;
- Providing free or heavily-discounted gigabit 100MB (minimum) internet service over a wired or wireless network to underserved and disadvantaged residents;
- Delivering gigabit internet service at prices comparable to other gigabit fiber communities across the nation.
- After a successful RFI/RFP process, Louisville’s Metro Council, in July, approved three new 20 year franchise agreements for fiber network buildout with: BGN, SiFi and FiberTech.
Louisville continues to focus on grassroots support for the future network from city residents, academics and the business community.
Engagement occurs through a web-based tool, Louisville Fiber, providing information on the three vendors, project updates and basic facts about fiber infrastructure.
