Wilson residents get access to city-owned network

Wilson residents began signing up for community-provided internet, cable and phone service Tuesday.

Over the past few years, the city has installed hundreds of miles of fiber-optic lines to create a network that competes with Time Warner.

Wilson officials believe high-speed Internet technology is crucial to attracting new businesses.

Soon the city will offer high-speed Internet, phone service and cable TV to any business or home in the city limits.

Wilson officials said the fiber-optic network will be self-supportive and use no tax money. Only residents who choose to subscribe will pay for the system.