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Over the last decade, city leaders envisioned a municipally-owned fiber-optic network that would provide high-speed broadband to businesses and households throughout Powell. After years of work, a 20-year contract was signed in March 2006. At the time, Tribune publisher Dave Bonner wrote in an editorial: “… the city moved forward on the basis that it was both an opportunity to do something bold and innovative for the community, and it was a good business decision. It has that appearance, but like most business decisions, the proof is down the road.” Having traveled three years down that road, with homes and businesses now connected to the citywide network, proof is materializing. Representatives from the Denver-based company Alpine Access are meeting in Powell today (Tuesday) to discuss new jobs. Business leaders expect to bring about 100 jobs to Wyoming, and they are in town to recruit Powell employees who can work from home. Why Powell? A simple answer: Powellink. The citywide fiber-optic network “absolutely” drove the decision to meet here, said Jodi Guerin, a businesswoman and mayor of Laramie who accompanied the company to Powell for today’s meetings. Since employees work from home for Alpine Access, a virtual call center, they need to have high-speed Internet access readily available. Powell’s broadband sets it apart in the Cowboy State — and the nation. Years ago, the city found a way to fund a network without using taxpayer dollars. It was an innovative project that, now finished in 2009, will bring further innovation and economic growth to Powell for years to come.
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