Could 10 gigabit Internet speeds be in the future of Atlanta BeltLine, the greenspace development that will someday create a ring around the city’s inner core?
Officials with the project on Wednesday issued a request for proposal for partners interested in building out wireless connectivity along the trail, which will eventually stretch 22 miles inside Atlanta's city limits. To date, about 8.75 miles of the BeltLine has been completed, including in-corridor trails and spur trails
BeltLine objectives for the partners: Making connectivity of 10 gigabits or more available to businesses and institutions in the area. That could provide Internet speeds so fast search results can be download in a blink of an eye.
Other desires: Offering low-cost Internet or wi-fi to disadvantaged residents, creating public wi-fi hotspots near a wired BeltLine network and creating a "Smart Corridor" around the project to accommodate future needs.
That “Smart Corridor” could include power to operate smart lighting along the trails, smart traffic signals for the future transportation development or to allow big belly trash cans to signal electronically when they need to be emptied.
Jerald Mitchell, director of economic development for the BeltLine, cautioned that officials are not limiting requests to those whot can provide 10 gigabit networks. BeltLine officials are open to all proposals, big and small, he said.
“It’s not 10 gig or bust,” he said.
And while there currently isn’t any fiber installed on the trail, the infrastructure to add it already exists. Eight 12-inch conduits that could accommodate fiber are buried about two feet below the trails.
The proposals are due March 9.
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