(Contributed photo)

SANTA CRUZ — Cruzio Internet has begun construction of its independent, net neutral, high-speed Santa Cruz Fiber network in downtown Santa Cruz.

The local Internet Service Provider worked with leading design, engineering and construction companies to build a new network, which will bring affordable gigabit (1,000 Mbps) broadband service to downtown homes and businesses early next year.

The construction technique being used by Cruzio/Santa Cruz Fiber, called directional boring, allows the build team to install cables underground without costly and invasive open trenching. Instead, by making small potholes at opposite ends of a segment, and through use of special, electronically-guided equipment, crews are able to bore safely and quickly underground in between the points.

“Any time you build new infrastructure it takes a lot of planning and preparation,” said Chris Frost, Cruzio’s Director of Technology and Infrastructure. “Our goal first and foremost was to make sure we did it right the first time, and that we didn’t inconvenience our downtown neighbors.”

The Santa Cruz Fiber network will start in downtown Santa Cruz, but Cruzio already has plans to take it to other parts of the county such as downtown Watsonville. The new network also allows Cruzio the ability to upgrade many of its existing services, which will now be classified as “fiber-backed.” These services, which include point-to-point wireless distribution, make Gigabit speeds outside of the initial build area possible, increasing coverage throughout Cruzio’s existing customer base.

Fiber-backed Gigabit services are already available at a number of locations, and interested people can check availability at SantaCruzFiber.com. Those interested in getting fiber service at their downtown home or business can visit Cruzio’s website at www.santacruzfiber.com/downtown.

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