What is Fibrant? Fibrant is the new state-of-the-art fiber optic communications system being built and managed by the City of Salisbury. Fibrant will deliver advanced TV, Internet, and telephone services on a 100% Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network ensuring the availability of reliable, advanced services for every home and business within the city limits. The City of Salisbury will own and operate the system.
What is a Fiber to the Home System? A Fiber to the Home system (FTTH) is an advanced telecommunications technology that utilizes 100% fiber optics throughout the entire system. Unlike traditional cable or telephone systems that use copper wire or a mixture of coax and fiber optics, the FTTH system is more reliable, provides virtually unlimited bandwidth and requires less maintenance once it is constructed. If the local cable provider or the telephone company were to significantly upgrade their system in Salisbury today, FTTH technology would be the technology of choice.
What will we be able to do with the fiber optic system? Fibrant will allow the City of Salisbury to offer state of the art Internet, telephone and television services, which will be more reliable, faster, clearer, and most importantly, capable of carrying a host of new applications not possible with older technology. Since the community will own the system, Fibrant will have a community flavor: tailored to user needs, receptive to suggestions and fast to react to changing situations. Fibrant will improve the quality of life and provide a strong economic development tool to attract entrepreneurs, new residents, new businesses and enhance the competitiveness of our current business community.
Why is Salisbury doing this? Incumbent providers were not interested in upgrading in Salisbury so the City chose to develop FTTH itself. Charlotte and Greensboro would have received advanced services years before us. This is one way we can remain a viable community; allowing us to not just survive but excel.
How many other cities in the U.S. are operating a fiber telecommunications system like this? In the last several years, over 50 cities and counties in the United States have constructed fiber to the home systems. The Fiber to the Home Council reports over 5 million homes in the U.S. are now connected to FTTH services. Almost all FTTH communities have seen a direct economic benefit.
Will I need to buy special equipment to use Fibrant services? No, all necessary equipment will be provided at installation. Where needed, your installer will provide additional wiring.
Do I have to buy new appliances to use this service? No. If your computer, TV and phone work with their current connections, you should not have to upgrade. Your current electronics will work fine.
The current cable provider doesn’t offer broadband down my street; will the city? Yes. Fibrant’s mission is to provide service to every address in the city limits.
Is it easy to switch? YES: Stay with us for 12 months and there is no installation or activation fee
YES: FREE new CAT-5 in-home wiring – existing phone jacks used
YES: You can keep your existing phone number