A Frontier Communications representative told Delaware City Council on Oct. 13 that the company is investing $40 million to expand fiber broadband in Delaware and surrounding communities, but permitting issues have reduced the number of locations the company expects to light up this quarter.

Jack Phillips, who identified himself as representing Frontier Communications, told council the company originally planned to pass about 9,100 locations in the fourth quarter of 2025 but now expects roughly 4,100 by year-end because of permitting delays; the company plans a more aggressive build of about 8,000 locations in the first quarter of 2026.

“We're making a $40,000,000 investment in fiber broadband infrastructure, and the project had been going pretty well,” Phillips said, adding that permitting issues have required additional coordination with city staff.

Phillips described the planned service offerings as including a 7 gigabits-per-second symmetrical tier (the same upload and download speed) and a 200/200 Mbps service offered at $29.99, with a low-income discount available. He said the company would meet with city staff to resolve permitting questions.

Why it matters: A major private broadband build could expand high-speed internet access in the city, with potential effects on residential connectivity, economic development and digital-equity programs. The timetable uncertainty reported by Frontier means some residents expecting near-term service may experience delays.

What’s next: Phillips said Frontier would meet with city staff the following day to address permitting questions; the company intends to continue coordinating with the city to resume the planned build pace.