Hillsdale to become Internet hotspot

The city of Hillsdale may soon become a major Internet data path as Merit Network, Inc. seeks to expand its fiber optic network throughout southern Michigan with a $33.3 million federal grant.
Merit Network provides non-profit organizations with high-speed, high-bandwidth fiber optic wire — the current cutting edge in Internet access.
Executive Director of ITS David Zenz said the fiber optic network presents an exciting opportunity for the Hillsdale.
Zenz said Hillsdale currently has one fiber optic wire reaching down from Jackson, Mich., which was installed in 2008 when the College decided it needed more bandwidth and partnered with the Hillsdale Intermediate School District, Public Board of Utilities and Merit to bring fiber wire to Hillsdale.
The new fiber optic wire will cross Hillsdale, giving it three access points and direct connections to the Internet.
Currently, there are two major Internet nodes nearby in Chicago said Eric Macy, CEO of Nonik Technologies and representative for the City of Hillsdale in its talks with Merit. Macy said the other node is being constructed in Cleveland.
Zenz said with Hillsdale smack dab in the middle the opportunity to grow is high.
Zenz said the new fiber optic path with be a redundant path, which serves as a safeguard against a downed wire — potentially isolating a community from the Internet.
"All communications traffic flows through Chicago," Macy said. "The weakness being a terrorist attack or a power-outage would cut off the internet to all of Michigan. What we're hoping to capitalize on is that we'll be able to connect to Cleveland which will allow us to connect to the east coast, which makes us look more attractive."
Macy said he and Economic Development Director Christine Bowman have been working to attract businesses to the area.
"They need Internet service, and they need Internet services that are not going to fail," City Manger Michael Mitchell said during a City Council meeting last Monday.
Macy said there are a few industries that might take a second look at Hillsdale such as telemarketers, data centers and institutions doing research. Macy said some companies are taking another look at Hillsdale because of its municipality owned power company — which helps their bottom line.
Macy said employment in Hillsdale won't jump with the new wire, but it may provide an opportunity for the service sector to grow and accommodate the few high-earning jobs it will attract.
Macy said construction of the fiber network will be finished in Hillsdale by the end of 2011.