Sinclair Community College has joined a group of seven Ohio cities and the Miami Valley Communications Council to fund a regional fiber optics ring that advocates say will save money, help solve crimes, benefit schools and invite business growth.

MVCC Executive Director Brian Humphress said the fiber optics ring will allow participating cities to have unique speeds and capabilities for their high-speed internet.

Kettering and Centerville school districts were initial partners in this project, but they have since left as Sinclair joined the project.

“Sinclair College is partnering with us, and their contribution is funded through a state grant,” Humphress said. “With that contribution, the seven member cities’ share will be $1,140,000.”

Sinclair spokeswoman Deena John said the college got involved at the invitation of stakeholders in the various communities.