In the 1800s, the railroad provided extreme economic growth to cities and towns across America. According to one Georgia County, fiber optics appear to be the next determinant of economic growth.
According to Henry County Commissioner Brian Preston, the railroads moved goods throughout the country and now fiber optics move goods around the world. Thanks to technology advancements, the world’s economy has become more interconnected.
“We are competing in this worldwide economy to try to bring business to Henry County and every day that we’re delayed or every day that we’re behind, they get a little bit bigger and a little bit stronger,” Preston said. “Fiber optics is the network connecting communities around the world.”
When the railroad network expanded from 1870 to 1890, it redefined agricultural land values. According to a study by MIT’s Dave Donaldson and Harvard’s Richard Hornbeck, if those railroads had been removed in 1890, the total value of U.S. agricultural land would have decreased by 73% and GNP by 6.3%. Laying fiber cable may bring similar growth to land value.
The railroad wealth went to the Rockefeller’s and Vanderbilt’s, but if planned properly, the potential wealth connected with this modern expansion can remain with local communities.
For cities, like Henry County, that are interested in designing their own fiber optic network, GeoTel Communications’ Metro fiber maps, fiber lit buildings and long haul fiber can help city officials, network providers, and urban planners analyze existing telecom networks and make informed decisions for planning and expanding these networks.
If you’re interested in telecommunications infrastructure maps, fiber maps or metro fiber maps, GeoTel Communications offers custom-made fiber maps based on client requests, as well as a variety of other telecom data products. Give us a call at (800) 277-2172 to learn more!
