The Orange Beach City Council held a public hearing of a resolution authorizing the execution of a fiber optics development agreement with Island Fiber for “fiber to home” services during the Aug. 20 city council meeting.

In the agreement, Island Fiber has agreed to construct, install and place fiber optic facilities within the city and to make available to owners and occupants of residential units within the city the option of symmetrical 100 Megabyte (MB) or 1 Gigabit (GIG) high speed internet services on a “fiber to the home” basis. The council approved a one-time grant to Island Fiber in the amount of $350,000 to be used solely for the project.

Island Fiber is a local veteran-owned company.

“We have been working on this project for over a year with the city. We have lit up our first homes and everyone is very happy,” said Mickey Franco, owner of Island Fiber.

Franco said he was happy to answer any questions from the audience or council. When the floor was opened Tucker Shaver, one of Island Fiber’s new customers, stood to speak to the crowd.

“We have been thrilled with it so far. The few problems we have had have been user error and Island Fiber has been great with helping us work through those issues,” Shaver said.

Island Fiber has been laying the underground lines focusing on Canal Road and Highway 161 for now with plans to start Bear Pointe soon. Fiber optic lines will be run to every lot line giving future homeowners the opportunity to have little delay if they buy a vacant lot and build a new home.

“The city entering into an agreement with Island Fiber is a huge economic initiative for Orange Beach. To bring fiber to our city is huge. We are in need of it. I have people calling me all the time with issues with their current providers. We are very excited and very appreciated of the Island Fiber team,” said Councilman Jerry Johnson.