By STEPHEN HARDY -- SiFi Networks says it has signed a deal with the City of Salem, MA, for the construction of a citywide fiber to the premises (FTTP) network. The fiber network developer will fund the build with an investment of more than $35 million.
SiFi Networks and its construction partners will build the FTTP infrastructure, which it will then operate as an open access network.
“We’re excited that SiFi and their team will be starting construction on their high-speed fiber network this spring,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll.
Driscoll added, “Having a high-speed fiber internet alternative can improve the quality of life for residents, spur greater economic growth, and facilitate the installation of smart city technologies. Enhancing access and options for high-speed internet is especially essential during our response and recovery from COVID-19, as we strive to close the digital divide; help more residents access vital online services for work, education, and family connections; and simply provide greater choices for our residents and businesses.”
Salem is the sixth city in which SiFi Networks plans to build open FTTP networks. The company has launched construction in Fullerton, CA, with others scheduled to follow suit. SiFi Networks says it has an initial $450 million committed and has “an unlimited pool of infrastructure capital” at its disposal for builds in additional cities.
“SiFi Networks has already identified more than 200 cities that could become FiberCities in the future and bring fiber to over 10 million households across the US,” concluded Ben Bawtree-Jobson, CEO of SiFi Networks. “We are excited about changing America’s telecommunications landscape and eliminating the digital divide wherever we build our FiberCities.”
STEPHEN HARDY is Editorial Director and Associate Publisher of Lightwave, CI&M's close co-brand in Endeavor Business Media.