Westelcom. Solutions That Work

Closing The Loop On Fiber Optics In Watertown

A North Country company is closing the loop on high-speed Internet access in downtown Watertown. Westelcom, the region's largest locally-owned telecommunication and Internet provider, is installing a fiber optic network in the heart of the city.

MSNBC.com

"The ultimate vision is to connect more and more businesses and business buildings throughout Watertown so that we can attract more businesses downtown and to meet their needs," said Paul Barton of Westelcom.

Fiber optics uses cables containing glass or silica fibers no thicker than a human hair.

There is very little signal loss and more information can be transmitted at the speed of light over long distances.

Fiber optic cables do not have problems with electronic 'noise' like wire cables do, and are better for transmissions requiring security.

For local businesses like the Stream call center in Watertown, the fiber optic system is mandatory for survival.

"We have to have a very reliable network because if for some reason the network goes down, the calls don't come in, our clients don't make money. And when our clients don't make money, that's not good," said Stream Chief Operating Officer Matt Kocham.

Westelcom has already installed two loops of fiber optics around Watertown is is now preparing to work on a third.