The city of New Britain Wednesday entered into a partnership with GoNetspeed to build a high-speed fiber internet network throughout the city.
The $5 million project will be the largest fiber optic public-private project in the state and is expected to be completed within one year, according to Mayor Erin Stewart.
The mayor was joined by Thomas Perrone, GoNetspeed chief operating officer, to announce the agreement Wednesday morning in New Britain.
“We are thrilled to be the first community in the state to partner with GoNetspeed, in a public-private partnership, to effectively end the digital divide, increase (internet service provider) competition and lower Internet costs for our residents,” the mayor said in a statement. “Furthermore, we are excited to bring this opportunity to every home in our city through strategic, efficient use of our American Rescue Plan Act funds.”
Once the project is complete, all city-owned buildings and intersections will be wired with fiber Internet service, the mayor’s office said. In addition, the network will be built throughout the community giving every resident the opportunity to access high-speed Internet. In total, the city said, about 150 miles of fiber will be installed across New Britain.
The mayor’s office said that eligible households — through the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program — will be able to receive free high-speed internet service.
