To the editor:

Why? That's usually the first question out of my mouth. The reasons are multiple, but it really comes down to fairness, broken incentives in the private markets, migrating to an enormously more capable technology, and adding resiliency to our local Internet grid. In a way, Internet connectivity has become our true highways of the 21st century and a key component of advancing humankind.

Personally, a lot of background work has been undertaken on this effort since late last July. Over the course of this effort, my personal belief has only become more steadfast in the ability of Islanders to band together and not expect others to solve our problems for us.

A critical part of this process, of where you can help, is helping us understand current local consumer behavior of how and why they connect to the Internet, and where interest in deploying fiber to the premises (your home and/or business) is highest. Fiber optics Internet, while a high initial capital expenditure, has a fairly rapid payback period, and as more and more subscribers connect, the profit margin (revenues, operating expenses, capital expenditures) quickly diverge.

At https://aquidnecklight.org is a link to a pre-registration form (takes less than a minute) so you can stand up and be counted among those interested in a future freed from a monopoly landline provider with absolutely zero economic incentive to improve the status quo right here on Aquidneck Island. Additionally, a survey (I expect it will take about 10 to 15 minutes) is available to take, of which the results will be shared with local leaders here on Aquidneck Island. Did I mention to thank you for your time, that you'll be entered into a drawing for one of two gift cards?

I'm excited to take this journey, and hope you are as well.

Ted Pietz

85 Glen Road

Andre Gonzalez

47 King Phillip St.

Portsmouth

(Editor's note: This letter is an abbreviated and slightly modified version of an open letter on the “Aquidneck Light” Facebook page.)