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Nevada announced an investment of $250 million for one-time construction costs associated with a planned middle-mile fiber network.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
A planned middle-mile network that will include over 2,500 miles of open-access fiber routes is a step closer to reality.
This week, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) announced an investment of $250 million towards the network’s construction.
The announcement, released May 21, estimated that “the project will result in improved internet access for more than 40,000 residential locations.”
The money will also go to digital equity and adoption initiatives, according to OSIT’s release.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo explained how the funding will help enhance connectivity for those who have struggled previously with access.
“By addressing these critical gaps, we are ensuring that all Nevadans have the opportunity to benefit from reliable and fast internet service,” he said, according to the announcement.
MDUs to benefit from High Speed Nevada Initiative
The governor’s technology office previously detailed plans to build last mile fiber to approximately 450 low-income multi-dwelling units (MDUs) as part of the High Speed Nevada Initiative, according OSIT’s website.
“We are working to provide every Nevadan with access to high-speed internet that is affordable, reliable, and scalable,” said Brian Mitchell.
Mitchell, the director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, explained that Nevada requires significant investments in middle-mile infrastructure.
The investments will “support future last-mile residential investments,” according to Mitchell.
“This project is a big step towards meeting our goals,” he was quoted as having said in OSIT’s announcement.
OSIT’s release revealed that, in total, over $900 million will be spent on broadband infrastructure by Nevada over the next four years.
But, building fiber networks in Nevada does not come without challenges, as an online summary of the High Speed Nevada Initiative has detailed.
“While the federal government has allocated significant funds for broadband, needs in Nevada are also significant due to our geography, rough terrain, the remoteness of our population centers, and the lack of modern broadband infrastructure.”
Review where fiber routes are planned
An interactive map displaying the locations of planned HSNV middle-mile projects is available online.
The longest route displayed on the map, a 610-mile fiber route, shadows Interstate 80.
The route, which will run from Verdi, bordering California, to West Wendover, bordering Utah, is one of seven displayed on the map.
