Today’s fiber outage once again highlights both how dependent we are on Internet connectivity and how fragile that connection is. This is the fourth break in less than a year. AT&T’s microwave backup system is totally inadequate. Satellite service works for some as a back up system and others who can afford a redundant connection through 101netlink are fine. But neither of these solutions are capable of carrying the load for the whole region.

I know that plans are being made to build an alternate fiber line along an east-west route. I only hope that this latest failure will accelerate the process. The new fiber line will not serve only as backup for emergencies but will be used much as the current line is and will provide the potential for more competitive pricing and for reaching areas still untouched by broadband services. This has got to get built now!