New Internet for NC

[patricia92243]

RST Fiber, a company based in Shelby N.C., plans to offer Internet service to homes at gigabit speeds as well as ala carte TV services and super high definition video in the Raleigh area within the next 60 days

A gigabit in speed would be about 100 times faster than a standard cable Internet connection, according to Google. Citing a 2013 industry study, Google says "the average American only experiences speeds of 9.8 [megabits per second], while Google Fiber offers up to 1,000 Mb/sec download and upload."

Internet service to homes will be priced at $99 a month. TV and other service pricing details are being worked out as the company signs deals with content providers.

While Google Fiber considers building a gigabit network in the Triangle and plans proceed for a North Carolina Next Generation Network as sought by local governments and universities, RST says its statewide fiber optic network is now operational.

Raleigh will be one of its first service areas, following deployment over the next month in south Charlotte. Asheville will receive service about the same time as Raleigh, according to RST Fiber co-founder and CEO Dan Limerick. Some ares of the Triangle outside of Raleigh also will be linked to the RST network, but Limerick did not specify locations.

"The 5G network is here," Limerick said joyfully in an interview Monday. "This network will enable the Internet of Everything."

John Chambers, chairman and CEO of network giant Cisco Systems, helped coin the Internet of Everything term, which includes all so-called smart devices, from phones to TVs to thermostats to light switches, to alarm systems and appliances that include Internet addresses and can be controlled over networks. Chambers has described the Internet of Everything as a $19 trillion business opportunity.

The latest wireless technology is described as "4G." Limerick pointed out that the RST network provides high-speed Internet as well as a variety of other services and ultra-fast WiFi wireless connectivity from network nodes into homes.

[littlewolf]

1. K & R would love to see it come into my area but not likely

as I am in a small town.

[supernova]

2. Why is it still $100/mo?

for ISP service? Internet prices need to be falling, not staying the same.

[patricia92243]

3. I'm hoping it will make Charter lower their prices. This is their first real competition.