Frequently Asked Questions

 

What’s optical fiber? 

Optical fiber is the basis of the latest advanced telecommunication technology.  Long, fine strands of glass carry information on beams of light.  Compared to metallic wire, optical fiber can carry thousands of times more information.  Since it uses light, not electrical energy, it is not susceptible to lightning or cross talk interference between wires in the same cable.  It’s inherently protected from power surges, static, noise, and hum.  It’s also more secure.  Conversations on fiber are immune to electronic eavesdropping.   And it’s reliable.  Unlike metal, optical fiber doesn’t corrode.  A communication system based on optical fiber is much easier to maintain.


What’s FTTH?

FTTH stands for Fiber-to-the-Home.  In the U.S., optical fiber already connects towns.  But within the towns, the connection to the home is via old copper-wire technology dating back to 1876.  FTTH replaces this old, out of date technology with strands of fiber running to every home and business in a community.  Experts say developing this kind of infrastructure is critical for America to stay competitive in the global economy.


What will FTTH mean to the customer?

You will be able to get the latest and the best of everything at the lowest prices.  You will have access to the most advanced services available in digital television, high-speed Internet, and local and long-distance phone service.  All three services will be delivered over optical fiber.  As a result, the quality, variety, speed, reliability, and value will be unmatched by any competitor.  You will have only one bill and a local company to deal with for friendly, fast customer service.  Expect to see lower prices.  And speaking of money, you will also have the satisfaction of seeing your dollars stay in town and get recycled into the local economy.


What are the benefits to Fairfield

We are well into the Information Age, an age in which globalization is a dominant force in the economy.  Fairfield, like other towns, has experienced this change. Factories close and jobs are lost as companies reposition themselves in this new global economy.  It’s not likely that this trend will reverse.  For Fairfield to continue to prosper, it will need to call on its innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills.

 

FTTH will position Fairfield to better compete in the global economy. FTTH can provide businesses in Fairfield with a global reach second to none. FTTH makes Fairfield attractive to new businesses and gives existing ones a boost.

Iowa’s has a world-class educational system but many graduates take their knowledge elsewhere.  FTTH means they can stay here, raise their children, enjoy Fairfield’s quality of life, and still have full access to the global economy.  With FTTH, there’s no reason the next Google can’t start here.

 

In the 19th century, a town’s future depended on the railroad coming there. In the 21st century it’s FTTH.


Who is LISCO?

LISCO is a local Fairfield company, responsive to the community’s needs. LISCO has always pioneered in bringing new, innovative technologies in Fairfield.

 

In 1994, LISCO brought the first dialup Internet service to Fairfield.  In 1996, LISCO introduced the first broadband DSL service to Fairfield. In 2000, LISCO started a local phone company, LTDS, and brought digital phone service bundled with high-speed Internet to businesses in Fairfield.  For the first time, Fairfield had a choice.  As a result, Fairfield businesses now have better phone and data services at lower prices.

 

Now LISCO is pioneering the next generation technology, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), in Fairfield.  This FTTH infrastructure will benefit Fairfield for many years to come. It will make Fairfield second to none in advanced telecommunications.  Also, Fairfield’s telecommunication dollars that presently go out of town will stay here and get recycled into the local economy.