Frequently Asked Questions
What is Greenlight?
Greenlight is the new fiber optic communications system that the City of Wilson manages. This system sbring advanced cable, Internet, and telephone services to the residents and businesses of Wilson. To best meet the needs of the community, the system is a Fiber to the Home system ensuring the availability of reliable and advanced services for homes and businesses.
What is a Fiber to the Home System?
A Fiber to the Home system (FTTH) is an advanced telecommunications technology that utilizes 100% fiber optics throughout the entire system. Unlike traditional cable or telephone systems that use copper wire or a mixture of coax and fiber optics, the FTTH system is more reliable, provides virtually unlimited bandwidth and requires less maintenance once it is constructed. If the local cable provider or the telephone company were to significantly upgrade their system in Wilson today, the FTTH technology would be the technology of choice.
What will we be able to do with the fiber optic system?
The fiber optic system will allow the City of Wilson to offer state of the art television, Internet and telephone services to the community. Services will be more reliable, faster, and clearer. More importantly, since the community will own the system, Greenlight will have a community flavor. Overall the FTTH system will improve the quality of life in this community and provide a strong economic development tool by attracting new business and enhancing the competitiveness of our current business community.
Who will own the system? The local cable provider has had several names in the past.
The City of Wilson will own and operate the system.
Will we be the first city in the United States to operate a fiber telecommunications system like this?
No. In the last several years many cities throughout the United States, some larger and some smaller than Wilson, have constructed fiber to the home systems (FTTH). The Fiber to the Home Council reports that as of 2007 there were over 8 million homes in the U.S. have FTTH services available to them.
Will my taxes go up because this project is so expensive?
No. The funds for constructing the fiber network come from bonds issued by the City of Wilson. Tax revenues are not being used to fund this project in any way.
When will these services be available to my home or business?
The network is complete now, so it’s open to everyone in the city limits.
Will I need special equipment to use FTTH services?
No. All necessary equipment will be provided at installation. In general, the FTTH system will use the current wiring in your home or business. Where needed, your installer will provide any additional cabling.
What are the minimum specifications for my PC?
Greenlight recommends the following guidelines for your PC in using our Internet service:
- Operating System: Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP. Macintosh 8.0 or higher.
- CPU: 100MHz or greater
- Memory: 32MB or greater
- Free Disk Space: 100 MB or greater
Do I have to buy new appliances to use this service?
No. If your computer, TV or phone works with their current connections, you should not have to upgrade. Your current electronics will work fine.
Will I have to change the wiring inside my house?
No. In most cases, the wiring you already have will work just fine.
Will these services be available to homes and businesses?
Yes. They will be available to every address in town.
Right now, the current cable provider doesnt offer broadband down my street. Will the city make this service available?
Yes. Wilson's mission is to provide this to every address in the city limits.