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Bloomington's High-Speed Internet Initiative: Paving the Way for Connectivity
The City of Bloomington is on the path to transforming its digital landscape through its city-wide high-speed fiber internet project, set to reach completion by the end of 2026. This ambitious initiative, a collaboration between the City and Meridiam/mStreet Fiber, is more than halfway through its construction phase, marking a significant milestone as it approaches a historic project completion.
Overcoming Construction Challenges
Since early 2025, construction work had slowed due to the business collapse of AEG, the principal contractor for the project. However, recent updates from the city indicate renewed activity, with mStreet Fiber diligently working to resolve lingering issues stemming from the contractor's closure. As of September 2024, City Engineering reported having completed over 700 repairs in the public rights-of-way, with fewer than 50 remaining repairs to wrap up by mid-November.
Rapid Progress in Deployment
This project is bringing connectivity to more residences than ever before. By the end of November, three nearly completed construction zones will deliver high-speed internet access to an additional 2,500 residential units—a significant boost for the community. With over 200 miles of conduit and fiber already installed, the groundwork for robust internet service is firmly in place.
Affordability and Accessibility: A New Era for Internet Service
In an exciting development, the collaborative effort not only targets widespread robust connectivity but also prioritizes affordability. The program is working alongside GigabitNow to provide affordable high-speed internet access to residents of the Bloomington Housing Authority’s Walnut Woods Apartments. This project extends the reach of high-quality fiber broadband services to those in need, helping to bridge the digital divide in the community. Rick Dietz, Director of Information & Technology Services for the City of Bloomington, expressed enthusiasm about this provision, stating, “The City is thrilled to see this come to life, ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality internet services.”
A Model for Other Cities
The Bloomington initiative serves as a template for other cities looking to enhance their digital infrastructure while ensuring inclusivity in access. A recent accolade for GigabitNow’s Fiber for All plan—recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance—illustrates the important strides being made in making high-speed internet accessible and affordable.
Community Monitoring and Engagement
Residents of Bloomington can actively engage and monitor the project’s progress via the Fiber Construction Progress Map. Moreover, for individual service inquiries, residents are encouraged to reach out to GigabitNow Support, offering them a direct link to information and necessary assistance for ongoing construction concerns and service options.
The positive momentum of this ongoing project reflects both a commitment to improving local infrastructure and the essential nature of digital connectivity.
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