Fairlawn, OH, to start FairlawnGig gigabit broadband project

The city council of Fairlawn, OH, approved four ordinances on April 4 that will kick start the launch of FairlawnGig, a municipal broadband project. Through a combination of wireless and fiber-optic network infrastructure, the project aims to make gigabit broadband services available to all residents and businesses in Fairlawn, as well as to the Akron-Fairlawn-Bath Township Joint Economic Development District (JEDD).

The votes came after the completion of an RFP process that explored the feasibility of the project as well as potential partners. The city plans to have Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. design, build, operate, and maintain the fiber to the premises (FTTP) and wireless networks. Extra Mile Fiber, LLC, of Dayton, OH, will serve as FairlawnGig's anchor service provider.

The city expects network construction to begin this year. The FairlawnGig website says that construction of the network infrastructure will begin in May, with first services planned for this July.

Funding of the project will come through issuance of revenue bonds.

"I thank the City Council for their foresight in approving the FairlawnGig ordinances," said Fairlawn Mayor William J. Roth, Jr. "Our vision to make world-class, high-speed internet services available to the residents and businesses of Fairlawn is now a reality. FairlawnGig will deliver a faster, better, and different Internet service from a trusted local provider, and will significantly aid in our efforts to promote economic development and commercial and residential growth in the City of Fairlawn."

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