Chicago Construction News staff writer
Officials from SiFi Networks and the City of Rockford have announced the construction launch of Rockford FiberCity, a fiberoptic infrastructure project that will bring an all-fiber internet network to every home, business, and institution in the city.
“We’ll be working closely with SiFi Networks to ensure a smooth construction process so we can collectively get every address in the city connected over the course of the next few years,” said Kyle Saunders, director of public works, City of Rockford.
SiFi Networks’ construction partner, Always Underground Inc. (AUI), will build Rockford FiberCity, creating dozens of new local jobs throughout the buildout. Information on construction will be posted on social media and at rockfordfibercity.com. The $200 million project, which is being funded privately, will provide access to 78,000 households, businesses and institutions, with speeds up to 10 Gbps, among the fastest residential speeds available in the United States.
Rockford FiberCity project will be an Open Access network, allowing fiber infrastructure to be shared by multiple service providers.
“SiFi Networks is delighted to make the long-term investment in Rockford because we see how fiber networks transform communities into hubs of innovation, remote work, better healthcare, and smart city services,” said Travis Nelson, senior vice-president, SiFi Networks.
