It might sound high-tech and complex, but it is very important to economic development in the area. Area residents will begin hearing the words “fiber optic” more and more. At a meeting this Wednesday evening, the cities of Benton and West Frankfort will gauge the interest of the business, healthcare, education and government communities in installing a fiber optic network in the two cities.
   

Aside from the obvious value of the technology, this gathering represents one more example of  “regionalism,” another word that has come into our geographic vocabulary.
    “The purpose of this meeting will be to explain the idea of a community network, who can benefit by it, how it can be used and how much it will cost”, said Steven Mitchell, one of the organizers of the event, in a news release. Mitchell works with Man-Tra-Con.
   

The 6:30 p.m. Wednesday meeting will be held at 108 North Emma Street in West Frankfort and is the result of six months work and collaboration between ConnectSI, FREDCO, City of West Frankfort, City of Benton, and the West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce.
   

“One of the most important things to come out of this collaboration is the increased spirit of cooperation between these two communities.  To the best of my memory, this is the first time Benton and West Frankfort have worked together on a project that has such a significant potential”, said Steve Cook, West Frankfort’s Economic Developer. “One of the first questions that business and industry asks when they are coming into a community is about high speed broadband capabilities.”
   

In addition to providing high speed Internet access, the community fiber optic network can allow those taking part to communicate and share data at ultra fast speeds.  According to Mitchell, “Healthcare providers will be able to share high resolution x-ray and MRI images instantaneously, law enforcement can monitor video surveillance cameras remotely and companies can save time and money working with other local businesses.  The possibilities are nearly endless and limited only by our imaginations.”
  

  Norlight Telecommunications Inc, a multistate telecommunications company, is sponsoring the meeting.  “Norlight really deserves a lot of credit,” added Mitchell. “This type of community network is unusual, and they have worked hard to put together a package that includes special billing, customer service and pricing.  They are coming to the table with a fantastic offer.  It is unusual for communities the size of ours to get an opportunity like this”.
    All interested parties are welcome to attend this informative meeting.