Ritter/Fidelity Regional Fiber Network Eliminates Internet Middlemen

A new regional fiber network built by two small local telecommunications companies not only will bring higher-speed connectivity to communities in six states, but it should also enhance users’ Internet experience in another way by minimizing the number of carriers underlying users’ end-to-end Internet connection. Minimizing the number of carriers should help minimize latency -- an increasingly important consideration as the Internet increasingly supports real-time offerings such as video streaming services. The new regional fiber network comes from Arkansas-based Ritter Communications and Missouri-based Fidelity Communications and will support broadband connections between 10 Mbps and 100 Gbps. The network will link Dallas (TX) and Memphis (TN), serving rural communities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.