GoNet Speed seeks permits to bury fiber past utility poles as part of $14M Springfield build

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — GoNet Speed requested city permits June 17 to bury fiber past select utility poles in order to accelerate construction of a privately funded fiber network that the company says will pass roughly 13,000 locations in Springfield.

The request came during a meeting of the Springfield City Council digital equity working group, convened by Councilor Jose Delgado. GoNet Speed representatives gave an overview of their planned phase 1 build, described seven specific underground permit locations in a “Charlie 1-1” area and said the company has filed in total 27 site petitions across three study areas. Committee members agreed to forward the permits to the full City Council for consideration at the July 14 meeting.

Why it matters: The company’s proposal ties directly to the city’s digital equity review and to residents who lack reliable home internet. GoNet Speed said it will invest private funds for the initial phase, offer library connections and device support, and pursue further expansion depending on permit timing and pole-owner “make-ready” work that GoNet Speed said is largely out of its control.

GoNet Speed representative Heidi Mahoney described the company as a large private fiber provider.…