Gigabit City. Definition: “City-owned, public-utility-run fiber-optic internet networks offering gigabit speeds, at prices competitive with the far slower internet connections.”

City officials have been in talks with Orlando-based Summit Broadband Inc. to bring the city up a notch with high-speed internet connectivity. And, it could be happening as soon as this month as all pending issues are slated to face resolution in the near future.

Why hasn’t this happened sooner? Some of the issues that the city has faced regarding a city-wide internet connection include dark fiber networks (leased by big names in the community), which the City wants to keep, as well as further outside competition such as Verizon Fios.

If the current deal does not pan out with Summit Broadband Inc., the commission is determined to find other negotiations with other companies willing to assist Lakeland. The need for connectivity is so crucial that the commission views broadband internet as important as a utility, much like running water and electricity.

On a broader scope, the need for broadband connectivity is crucial as 25% of residents across Polk County are without it, leaving Polk behind other counties across the state. To compare, 85% of Hillsborough County residents have access to a broadband subscription. The county hopes to see these efforts in full effect by 2030.

Should the city-wide internet deal come to fruition, Lakeland will join the big leagues among other gigabit cities such as New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and more.