The city of Boston announced Tuesday a new partnership with Verizon to bring a fiber-optic network across the city.
The first part of the network will be installed in Dorchester, West Roxbury, and the Dudley Square neighborhood of Roxbury in 2016 according to release from the City of Boston. Hyde Park, Mattapan, other areas of Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain will then get the network.
Verizon has agreed to invest $300 million dollars in the project over six years, according to the Mayor’s office.
“Boston is moving faster than our current infrastructure can support, and a modern fiber-optic communications platform will make us a next-level city,” Mayor Walsh said. “Additionally, it is a priority to ensure that every resident has expanded access to broadband and increasing competition is critical to reaching that goal. I thank Verizon for their investment in Boston and for partnering with the city to provide the foundation for future technology growth.”
The city will go through the cable licensing process and Verizon then expects to begin offering its Fios TV service in Boston.
Boston residents have complained about a lack of competition for the city’s primary cable provider: Comcast. Many surrounding communities have had Fios for years.
As part of the agreement, Verizon will be able to attach wireless equipment to city street lights and utility polls, which is expected to improve mobile service as well according to the city.
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