I am a big fan of technology, and as such, I believe now is the time to move forward and embrace fiber-optic cable as the next big step to improve this town’s technological infrastructure.

Our aging infrastructure has not radically changed, since copper wiring was first used to carry communication. As we advance further and push the boundaries of the technological frontier, we can only do as well as the infrastructure that supports our endeavors.

The current computers and other accessories that our school runs aren’t all that bad, but our internet connection leaves a lot to be desired. I can’t name how many times the internet has gone down or has been reduced to a snail’s pace.

For instance, last year during first period, the internet went down and the entire class period, with the exception of the last 10 minutes, was a washout. Nothing productive happened.

Enough, I say. We don’t need these problems, and now we have a solution.

RST Fiber is an independent company laying fiber-optic cable in Wake Forest. They are not being paid by the town to lay this cable, but certainly the town can make use of it.

Clearly, the current internet provider hasn’t been doing a very good job. Perhaps RST will do better.

Awarding the contract to RST will have numerous benefits. Our school and local government buildings get faster and more reliable internet, and our town can truthfully say that they are supporting a local business.

Fiber-optic cable is the next step if any city or town wants to upgrade their internet. No other upgrade imaginable will be able to deliver what fiber-optic cable can deliver.

Not only will this be a boon for residents but also for our local businesses. The faster internet will give our locally-based businesses an advantage over their competitors. The faster internet will give business the capability to do large data transfers with little to no lag time. Thus, more people will want to come to our town to start businesses and bring jobs.

The drawbacks are few. RST will need to bore into the ground to place the fiber-optic cable, which will be unsightly, but that little problem will only last as long as that stage. Then the cables will be underground and will only need a minimum amount of maintenance. Besides, underground cables are definitely better than the current ugly poles along the road that carry our internet and telephone.

I rest my case. This project has practically no drawbacks with nearly limitless benefits. This project will have a ripple effect for years to come.