In early 2017, WK&T began construction to create a fiber optic network capable of bringing not only blazing-fast internet service to Martin, Tennessee, but also a range of high-quality communications services.
Are you a fan of streaming entertainment, music and movies? Are you a student who just needs reliable, fast connections? Does your business need the latest tools to stay connected to existing clients while finding new customers?
Fiber for Martin is the solution, and the project picked up steam in 2017.
Building a fiber network
Construction crews broke ground in February, beginning a carefully planned rollout that will connect the entire community to the new network.
Installation began on the north side of Martin in the neighborhoods surrounding North Lindell Street, then spread west on Highway 431, University Street, University Plaza and the surrounding areas. Residents in these neighborhoods now have access to world-class broadband services from WK&T.
Construction will continue in 2018, expanding east of I-45, down Main Street and into the neighborhoods near Martin Elementary School.
Already, crews have laid 50 miles of underground conduit and fiber optic cable, the fine strands of wire that deliver digital communication at the speed of light. Fiber internet is the fastest connection available anywhere, bringing Martin to the cutting edge of technology typically only offered in larger cities.
Fiber internet is also more reliable than any other type of internet connection because of how the conduit is buried and protected from the elements. It’s the internet of the future, today.
WK&T’s service goes a step further by offering every home a dedicated fiber line. While the construction for this can be more time consuming, it ensures that every home and business in
Martin is equipped for the increased demand in bandwidth that will come with newer technologies, such as 5K televisions.
Before construction finishes, crews will double the amount of fiber now in the ground as part of the project.
Why fiber internet in Martin?
In November 2016, WK&T announced a partnership with the city of Martin in Weakley County, Tennessee, to build a fiber network that would allow the city to read water meters remotely. The meter-reading network would give the city an unprecedented ability to control future costs and increase efficiencies. This innovative approach has been praised as a responsible, forward-thinking solution for residents in Martin and Weakley counties.
Beyond fiber
As the first customers of the new network were connected in July of 2017, WK&T marked another milestone — the opening of a Martin branch of the cooperative. The branch is within the city limits of Martin, a location that allows WK&T to be a vital part of the community and provide an additional level of hometown convenience.
For more information about services from WK&T, or to learn when construction will reach your home, call 877-954-8748 or visit us in person at 207 S. Lindell St. in Martin.