Westminster, county examining benefits of fiber optic network

While the Carroll County Fiber Network will spur economic development in the county, a Westminster fiber optic network would touch the residents of Westminster directly, creating more competitive and reliable broadband access.

Westminster will complete a feasibility study for adding fiber to its municipality in April, and by August the Carroll County Fiber Network will be completed. The idea is that businesses and public institutions can take advantage of the 112-mile fiber optic network, and which could eventually trickle down the residents, said Mark Ripper, the chief information officer for the county. Its main benefit is saving money at Carroll County Public Schools and the Carroll County Government by using its own fiber as opposed to leasing from a Verizon or Comcast, he said. Internet service providers will be able to lease out the space on the fiber optic network in order to reach other businesses and residents. Robert Wack, a Westminster Common Councilman, said the feasibility study for the possibility of a Westminster fiber optic network will be very different than the Carroll County Fiber Network.