City of Bloomington Updates Fiber Projects, Launches Fiber Map, and Advances Digital Equity

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~ Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington has announced significant progress in the Meridiam/Hoosier Fiber Networks fiber build project. This project, which is one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the city's history, is expected to be substantially complete by November 2025.

According to recent reports, the project is currently almost 50% complete and has passed over 20,300 units. Additionally, 30 out of 72 project areas have been completed and 186 miles of conduit have been installed. The city is confident that the project will be completed on schedule.

To keep residents and businesses informed about the progress of the fiber build, a new interactive map has been launched. This map, created through a collaboration between the City Engineering Departments and ITS GIS Division, provides real-time updates on construction progress and planned expansion areas.

Meghan Blair, the City's GIS Manager, expressed her gratitude towards the Engineering Department staff for their hard work and dedication in creating this map. She believes that it will provide residents with clear and accessible information about fiber installation permits and construction.

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In line with their commitment to digital equity, Hoosier Fiber Networks and GigabitNow have started providing affordable high-speed internet at Crestmont Apartments under an agreement with Meridiam. This milestone ensures that residents of Crestmont Apartments have access to quality broadband service. Rick Dietz, Director of ITS at the City of Bloomington, expressed his excitement about this development.

GigabitNow's Fiber for All plan has also received recognition from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for its affordability. It offers income-eligible residents high-speed fiber internet for just $9.99/month.

The city reminds residents that fiber construction may involve work within public rights-of-way and issues such as unmarked sewer laterals or sprinkler systems may arise during the process. Concerns can be reported to Trueline (formerly AEG), the project's contractor.

Looking ahead to 2025, the city has several plans in place to further advance digital equity. They are hiring a Digital Equity Specialist to lead strategic initiatives, partner engagement, and grant administration. They will also update their Digital Equity Survey and Strategic Plan to secure grants for expanding broadband access in the Bloomington area. The substantial completion of the fiber buildout is expected by the end of 2025.

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For more information on Bloomington's fiber project and digital equity efforts, residents can visit bloomington.in.gov/fiber.

The City of Bloomington has been working towards providing high-speed internet access to all its residents through various initiatives, including the Meridiam/Hoosier Fiber Networks partnership. Despite the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), they continue to support affordable solutions for broadband access. Eligible residents can still sign up for high-speed fiber internet at a discounted rate of $9.99/month through GigabitNow's Fiber for All website.

This partnership between the City of Bloomington and Meridiam/Hoosier Fiber Networks is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in the city and ensuring that all residents have access to quality internet service. With substantial progress already made and plans in place for future developments, it is clear that Bloomington is committed to advancing digital equity for its community.

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