Soon, broadband internet access will be available in every neighborhood in Arlington.
The City Council unanimously approved a plan for New Jersey-based SiFi Networks build its open-access fiber network across all of Arlington, reaching every neighborhood in the 99-square-mile city.
"It will help our students, (and) it will help our people working at home," says Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. "It's a game-changer for our community."
Under the agreement, the city will allow SiFi access to public right-of way to build the network.
In all, SiFi will be installing more than 10-million linear feet of fiber throughout every street in the city.
Mayor Williams says the pandemic has shown how very essential it is for everyone -- especially students -- to have reliable high-speed internet access.
"Even if they're going to school (on campus), they still need to be able to work on their homework when they get home," Williams says. "And to have that internet access is huge for them, especially broadband."
SiFi will own, operate and maintain the network, and it would contract with internet service providers to provide broadband service at an affordable price.
"We have worked with them to develop a very cost-effective procedure," says Mayor Williams, "which will allow the broadband to be very affordable for our citizens."
Those who cannot afford broadband internet access will be given assistance.
"We'll be working with our non-profits ... to also provide grants for citizens that need help," Mayor Williams says.
Work will begin within two years and is expected to take five years to complete.
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