Fiber connection in downtown London is a huge problem that we never hear about. Businesses need fiber connection to access technology, yet many of the buildings do not have this access. Mainstreet Programs and the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) are working together to grant these buildings fiber connection.
Manager of Mainstreet London, Kathy McLaughlin says that the fiber connection issue is driving companies away from downtown. McLaughlin heard about the issue when a friend of hers said that the lack of fiber connection was taking away from business and driving him away from the downtown area. She hopes that the two-year project will keep the business, and continue to expand downtown.
Together, these organizations are helping keep and bring business to the downtown area, by providing a grant up to $20,000 per building that needs fiber connection. McLaughlin said that when the city heard about the issue, they wanted to be involved as well and donated an extra $10,000 to the pilot-project.