An ultra-high-speed broadband Internet service will launch in Greater Lansing in the near future and is expected to make high-tech companies and businesses flock to the area. Although the new Internet service likely will benefit current Lansing area businesses, the appeal it will have to outside companies is questionable.
The Greater Lansing University Community Next Innovation Project, or Gig.U, will provide the area with one-gigabit-per-second Internet connection, making it the first in the state. It is part of a nationwide attempt to bring the service to communities harboring world-class universities such as MSU.
At a press conference announcing the project on Tuesday, city and university officials, as well as Jeff Smith, co-director of the new economy division for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, said the increased speed would attract more industry to the area, including technology, health care and aerospace.
If businesses are thinking of relocating or if new owners are considering areas to establish their companies, there are many more factors to be considered before the speed of the Internet is
touched upon — even regarding tech companies.
Fast Internet is more of a perk than a pro or a con, and in the current state of Michigan’s economy, business owners have other things to worry about.
Gig.U might be a good idea in theory, but implementing a new Internet service and hoping that businesses will come to the area because of it seems to be a case of putting too much hope into one endeavor.
There is a realistic chance that the high-speed Internet service could go ignored by technological businesses and not bring any new companies into the area.
Gig.U might not be the thing that will jump-start the Lansing area toward a healthier economic state, and hopefully city officials who support the project are aware of that.
Although its projected success in luring businesses into the Lansing area is arguable, the high-speed broadband Internet will benefit current establishments.
Businesses in the area will be able to function on an Internet that is up to 100 times faster than workers are used to, essentially leading to an increase in productivity.
According to Smith, Gig.U will be able to send MRI files up to 100 times faster than companies currently can. The faster Internet will be a welcome change for Lansing-based businesses and companies.
City officials are hoping to turn the Lansing area into a more attractive area for those tech-based companies, but their goal might be a bit of a stretch.
The overall price of the project is not yet released, but if Gig.U turns out to be a pricey investment, it might not be worth the cost. There is no apparent downside to Gig.U, given that the price is within reason.
Faster broadband Internet is an appealing trait to have, but it likely won’t be a deciding
factor for new businesses looking for a location.
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