Rhode Island Commerce Announces Selection of GoNetspeed, Verizon for First Round of $25M Broadband Infrastructure Investment

Published on Friday, October 04, 2024

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announces the selection of internet service providers (ISPs) to complete preapproved infrastructure projects that will improve broadband service for an estimated 6,700 locations in Jamestown, Newport, and Westerly. This round is the first of two to award nearly $25 million in Capital Projects Fund (CPF) investments.

Three proposals were selected in a competitive bid process which prioritized speed and affordability by requiring buildouts to include end-to-end fiber networks that can deliver speeds of 100/100Mbps without exceeding $53.09/month. Contracts will be awarded to the following ISPs:

Jamestown, Newport, and Westerly were selected as project areas based upon a formula which included several factors, such as the prioritization of areas with higher percentages of households that reported not having internet in the home and areas with lower median incomes.

“By expanding access to reliable broadband, we create opportunities for businesses, enhance education, improve healthcare, and bridge the digital divide,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This $25 million is a substantial infrastructure investment in our state that will provide long-term economic benefits to all Rhode Islanders.”

“Access to reliable broadband is a modern-day necessity – and no community should be left behind,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “This investment – and others to come – are essential for the future economic success of Rhode Island.”

“We applaud the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for their leadership in establishing this robust broadband program in the Ocean State. 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,” said Katharine Saunders, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Verizon. “We know that many residents depend on reliable broadband service to work, learn, and stream from home, and we look forward to expanding our network in these areas.”

“GoNetspeed is on a mission to ensure that more communities throughout the Northeast have access to the high-speed internet they deserve,” said Richard Clark, GoNetspeed President and CEO. “Through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s funding, we will have the opportunity to drastically improve online life for thousands of Rhode Islanders with our multi-gigabit, 100% fiber optic speeds.”

“High speed internet is of critical importance for young students and their families, individuals, and businesses,” said Westerly Town Manager Shawn Lacey. “These much-needed funds will expand educational and economic opportunities by providing affordable access to high-speed internet in parts of our community that are unserved or underserved. The town is pleased and grateful to have been selected and we look forward to our residents and businesses benefiting.”

“The investment by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation in partnership with Verizon into the Town of Jamestown will bring reliable and affordable broadband options to nearly half of our residents. This $2 million investment will create further opportunity for our residents to work and learn from home. Reliable broadband has become a necessity to stay current in business and in education. The Town of Jamestown and its residents are very fortunate to be part of this initiative and we look forward to this advancement in technology,” said Jamestown Town Administrator Edward Mello.

“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,” said Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy. “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.”

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 – meaning locations without access to 100/20Mbps service – across Rhode Island to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet.

Future investments will be made through a second round of CPF-funded projects and completed with funding through the state’s $108.7 million allocation from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in subsequent rounds. Additional competitive bidding processes will be released in the coming months.

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number CPFFN0169 awarded to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

For more information about ConnectRI, go to https://CommerceRI.com/broadband.

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