Our broadband network will use fiber-optic cables to connect your house to the internet. Fiber cable is made of glass and has an almost unlimited capacity to transmit data. The devices in your house (computer, television, security system, game console, etc.) connect through a router to the Broadband Chesterfield network on the street and our network connects to the internet and the world. The Broadband Chesterfield network will be owned by the Town and will be administered by the Chesterfield MLP (Municipal Light Plant) and serviced by an ISP (internet service provider).
Fiber-optic networks are many times faster than conventional copper wire (DSL) or coaxial (cable). Speed is measured in megabits per second and is expressed as speed of download (from the network to your computer) and upload (from your computer to the network). Typically, DSL operates at about 3 to 7 megabits/second. Fiber-optic operates at 1000 megabits/second! Below is a chart that shows the difference. There is also evidence that companies are curtailing DSL service.
What is the connection between Broadband and Celular Telephone or Satellite? - Broadband delivers internet service only. It is not connected in any way with Celular Telephone (ATT or Verizon), Comcast, Verizon "landline" telephone service, or satellite TV or satellite internet service (Hughsnet). However, any service that can be delivered through internet (such as streaming video/TV or Internet Phone Service) could be could be used in conjunction with Broadband.
Glossary
Broadband – a system that allows for very high-speed connection to the internet
MLP (Municipal Light Plant) – a local entity created in order to provide services to residents
Make-ready – the process of preparing poles to receive fiber optic cable
Megabit/second – a measure of network speed equal to 1000 kilobits/second
Gigabit/second – a measure of network speed equal to 1000 megabits/second
ISP (internet service provider) – a company that connects the town-owned network to the internet and provides service and repairs
Fiber optic cable – a very fine (slightly larger than a human hair) strand of glass that uses light to transmit data
DSL – a network that uses the copper wires also used for telephone service
Router – the device that allows multiple devices to be connected to a single broadband network interface
Take Rate – the percentage of homes that subscribe to broadband service
Wired West – a cooperative of town MLPs joining together for operational efficiencies and cost savings. The co-op is governed by delegates from the member towns for the purpose of delivering high quality broadband service to all residents of member towns
Streaming – the process of accessing live audio/video through the internet
Pole Survey - inspection of poles to see which need modification or replacement