The Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority is launching an effort to connect residences in the region to high-speed internet via fiber-optic lines direct to their homes.

It’ll mean speed-of-light service and eventually multiple provider choices.

The process begins with a survey of residents in the Roanoke Valley the municipal broadband authority announced Monday morning. The survey will help determine where the highest demand for the service is, but with a mind to reach wide areas of the region.

“Our mission has been to be an economic development engine, drive competition, bring more choice in … but also to serve the geographically and economically underserved,” said RVBA President and CEO Frank Smith. “We want to make sure we build in places that make sense economically but make sure we do not ignore those that are economically disadvantaged.”