News
A group of affordable housing buildings in Newark will soon have access to low-cost internet thanks to a partnership between the city, a residential ISP that serves multi-dwelling units (MDUs), and Newark Fiber.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
A partnership between Newark, Andrena, and Newark Fiber will result in internet expansion into 14 residential buildings managed by the Newark Housing Authority, a development that will provide low-cost access to over 1,600 families in the city.
According to an April 4 release from Newark Fiber, a public-private partnership, connected families living in the buildings will be able to purchase internet service for $20 per month. Newark Fiber described the rate as “a fraction of the average market rate of $75 per month or more, saving families nearly $700 a year.”
The affordable housing developments to be connected, which span across five wards in Newark, are the latest effort in the battle to close Newark’s digital divide.
With a population of over 300,000, New Jersey’s largest city reported that almost one in five households did not have an internet subscription in numbers from the 2022 U.S. Census and, according to Newark Fiber, 9 percent of households in the city do not have a computer.
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announces effots to provide low-cost internet to dozens of Newark’s affordable housing buildings. Photo courtesy of Newark Fiber / Charles David Photography
“High-speed internet will enable Newarkers to take well-paid jobs from home, plus access online education and telehealth appointments,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who formally announced the expansion this week. “In today’s digital age, it is vital that we afford equal opportunities for Newark residents to thrive.”
Newark Fiber’s release said the first building installation happened earlier this year, with 150 units already adopting Andrena’s service. Currently, Newark Fiber provides connections to over 70 buildings in Newark, including some parks.
Leonard J. Spicer, the Newark Housing Authority’s executive director, was also quoted in Newark Fiber’s release. He said the initiative will open doors to new opportunities for residents.
“We are proud to be a part of this transformative collaboration that aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering vibrant, connected communities,” he said.
Neil Chatterjee, co-founder and CEO of Andrena, said his company was “honored to have been selected by Newark Fiber to deliver low-cost internet service to the city.”
Andrena, an ISP for residential MDUs, has worked with local black-owned telecom companies, like Newark-based TeknoGRID and Brooklyn-based BlocPower, to train local residents to install the network, Network Fiber’s announcement stated.
Andrena, which provides internet to 30,000 homes across the mid-Atlantic region, including operations in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, also has partnerships with the New York City Housing Authority and the Jersey City Housing Authority.
