News
Two internet service providers (ISPs) have been selected in Rhode Island to complete broadband projects that will provide service to an estimated 6,700 locations.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Millions of dollars in Capital Projects Fund (CPF) grants have been awarded to Verizon and GoNetspeed for approved broadband infrastructure projects in three Rhode Island communities.
The grants, approved by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation earlier this month, are the first of two funding rounds that will award nearly $25 million in CPF investments.
Jamestown, Newport, and Westerly were selected for the projects after certain considerations, like the prioritization of areas with higher percentages of households that previously reported not having internet, and areas with lower reported median incomes.
“This initial investment from the state Capital Projects Fund is part of a larger effort by the Commerce Corporation’s ConnectRI program to connect all remaining unserved and underserved locations,” an Oct. 4 release from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation stated.
The largest of the awards announced earlier this month was to GoNetspeed, in the amount of over $9.3 million for broadband infrastructure in Newport.
Additional awards listed in the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s announcement went to Verizon, in the amount of over $2 million for Jamestown, and over $1.5 million for Westerly.
As part of the competitive bidding process, both ISPs pledged to deliver speeds of 100/100Mbps without exceeding monthly charges of $53.09 for end users.
Newport’s city manager, Colin Kennedy, was also quoted in the announcement.
“Newport is a beautifully diverse community and we’re grateful for the support that Rhode Island Commerce has shown in helping us bridge the digital divide,” he said. “Access to reliable broadband offers tremendous workforce and educational opportunities, particularly in our historically underserved neighborhoods and communities. Equity is valued in Newport and broadband access is a big part of that.”
Katharine Saunders, a VP and deputy counsel for Verizon, applauded the news.
This program will help Verizon continue to build and enhance our fast, reliable network statewide while fostering digital inclusion and equity in under-resourced communities,” Saunders said.
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