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Council awards broadband public‑private partnership to Smart Fiber Networks to build city‑owned fiber backbone
Summary
Newark City Council approved a public‑private partnership with Smart Fiber Networks to build a city‑owned fiber backbone, provide free Wi‑Fi at four parks and enable open access for local ISPs. The $3.28 million project is funded with ARPA, state AB 179 funds and PEG monies; the contract passed unanimously July 24.
Newark City Council on July 24 voted unanimously to award a public‑private partnership contract to Smart Fiber Networks to build a city‑owned fiber backbone, provide free public Wi‑Fi at four parks and create an open‑access model that prospective internet service providers (ISPs) can use to offer competitive broadband services.
City staff described the project as the first phase of a 10‑year broadband strategic plan developed with Government Technology Group (GTG). The backbone will connect city facilities including City Hall, the Newark Community Center and Silliman Center and will enable Wi‑Fi in four parks identified in the plan: Newark Community Center Park, Birch Grove Park, Jerry Raber (Ash Street) Park and Mel Nunez Sports Field Park. The high‑level…
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