Smaller towns can take lead in new technology

A major project under way in Cambridge is an example of how smaller towns can have an advantage when it comes to technology.

In Cambridge's case, it doesn't hurt that the Cambridge Telephone Co. and its Pinpoint offspring have been leaders in telecommunications and Internet service over the years.

This time, 133-year-old technology, copper wire, is being replaced by fiber optic cable all the way to the home user.

What does it mean?

First of all, when it is completed -- expect that by the end of the year -- Internet users will notice much faster downloads, thanks to "substantially higher bandwidth" to homes and businesses in Cambridge. A similar project is planned for Bartley in 2010.

Over the longer term, customers will have access to a wide range of services, such as IPTV -- Internet Protocol Television -- and new digital voice services.

It will be no small project. Residents can expect to see trucks, machines and workers plowing up the ground and boring under streets, through business districts and residential backyards. Some 30 or 40 additional employees will be added for the project, and are expected to put in 25,000 man-hours by the end of the year.

Cambridge Telephone promises to keep service interruptions to a minimum, and has even hired two employees for the sole purpose of locating existing lines in an effort to prevent accidental interruptions.

But we know the company will appreciate the public's patience and cooperation.

And, running fiber optic cable directly to the home makes it even more important that anyone planning to dig a ditch, install a post or do earthwork of any kind locate their fiber optic telephone line before doing so. They should call the digger's hotline, (800) 331-5666, to avoid cutting a cable or other utility.