Electricity and telephone lines were critical infrastructure initiatives of past generations. Fiber Internet connections will be the critical infrastructure for this generation. Bringing a robust fiber network to Tuscaloosa will keep our citizenry connected and encourage technology companies to setup in our city. If we are serious about thinking big and encouraging economic development during this process then it is important that we incorporate this component into our city's infrastructure build out.

It is important to note that experts from the FTTH Council believe that fiber-to-the-home is the only technology with enough bandwidth to handle projected consumer demands during the next decade.

Learn more general information about Fiber to the Home here: http://communication.howstuffworks.com/fiber-optic-communications/fiber-to-the-home.htm

Here is a guide book on how Fiber to the home has been implemented successfully in different communities: http://www.pti.org/index.php/ptiee1/more/406/

Finally, please know that this isn't something limited only to Silicon Valley as Chattanoga has already launched a municipal fiber-to-the-home initiative and is currently reaping the economic benefits.