JACKSON, Wyo. — SilverLight Fiber Network, an open-access fiber network project by Silver Star Communications will expand fiber optic internet access to all homes in the Town of Jackson, the company announced Friday.
Construction is slated to begin this spring and this privately funded network will enable internet service providers (ISPs) in the local market to reliably deliver connections at the fastest speeds available (up to 10 gigabits per second). It will also add capacity to support future breakthroughs in technology.
The open-access model means Silver Star will install, operate and maintain the fiber optic infrastructure but make the fiber network available to other ISPs for service delivery.
Traditionally, non-profit groups and local municipalities have deployed open access networks to bring more provider choices or better connectivity to their constituents. SilverLight will be paid for by private investments and operated by Silver Star, a regional company.
“We are excited to support Silver Star’s expansion of fiber optic cable across our community,” said Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson. “This is an important step in continuing to close the digital divide, helping ensure that every household in our [town] has the opportunity to access the internet. From education to small business and healthcare, improved connectivity will be a great benefit to our town.”
Silver Star holds the distinction of installing the first 10 gig infrastructure in the country at the Jackson Hole airport. The company was also the first to bring gigabit speeds to its communities in Wyoming and Idaho.
“We believe the future of rural networks is an open-access approach that will allow residents to have a choice in providers,” explains Barbara Sessions, President of Silver Star. “We are proud to push the boundaries of our industry’s traditional business model. We also believe this model can be replicated in many other areas in our state.”
