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Lemonweir Valley Telecom announced Tuesday plans to have fiber optic telecommunication services directly to customers’ homes by the end of the year. Fiber-To The Premise or (FTTP) uses thin glass fibers to transmit a variety of communication signals.

Jim Costello, general manager of Lemonweir Valley, said the decision was “a big step for the company -- but absolutely necessary.”

The $3 million initial investment in the system will do away with copper wire connections for the 2,500 customers served by the independently owned, 101-year-old company in Camp Douglas, Hustler and New Lisbon. Lemonweir Valley was started in January 1907 when 30 residents in the area paid $25 each to buy a switch and equipment and furnished the labor to install telephone poles.

Costello said the company is known as a very cutting edge company, the first to have a dial-up system. Four years ago it offered broadband service. DSL services now reach 90 percent of customers. Five years ago direct television services were offered to customers 98 percent of whom were served as of three years ago.

Speed, dependability, economics and a platform for future services are among the advantages of FTTP.

Joe Perz, Camp Douglas village president, said he, “Is very proud for a small village like us to be way ahead.”

Hustler village President Dean Duescher said the improved communication services offered advantages to a small community.

Ed Kaelin, administrator for New Lisbon, said the fiber system would be great for not only businesses but residents.

A variety of services will be possible with the fiber optics system including an unlimited number of high definition television channels, Ultra High Speed Internet, Video on Demand, off-site residential computer back-up and Smart Home home security and support for multi-player on line gaming and graphics.

The first phase of the project will be to install mainlines of fiber optic cable in conduits following the main streets of the communities in the service area. The second phase will be installation of optical network terminals to the outside of customer homes and businesses.