Quincy Looks To Build Fiber Optic Network For Better Internet

QUINCY, MA — In an effort to bring cheaper and faster internet to Quincy's residents and business owners, city officials are looking to build a municipal fiber optic broadband network. The network would be city-owned and introduce a higher level of competition among internet service providers that would rent to offer services from the network. Ultimately, the goal is to lower prices and deliver a higher level of service to the city, said City Councilor Ian Cain during Monday's press conference.

He said the eventual goal is to bring internet prices down to $50 a month for Quincy's customers, while also offering the high-speed fiber optic internet that would go hand-in-hand with growing the downtown business community.

"This is really a part of the economy, and this is something people should have to access jobs and other resources," said Cain. "Having internet is now part of our daily lives that we probably take for granted, but some people still don't have access to in a cheap manner."

Addressing efforts to grow businesses in Quincy, he said, "This is a way to really have Quincy stand out in a way that other cities and towns aren't really looking at. This is a way to put us up front."

Cain said that for the past five years, he has heard comments from residents and other constituents about wanting to improve internet service and competition in the city. In February 2018, he introduced a resolution aiming to adopt a municipal broadband network. That resolution was unanimously approved by the City Council, he said.

Mayor Thomas Koch said city officials are still in the early process in looking into what the new network would look like. He encouraged residents to learn more information on the proposal and to fill out a survey gauging interest from Quincy's residents and business owners.

According to the informational video provided for the proposal, the new citywide fiber optic network would aim to lower Quincy customers' internet costs by 30 percent. No one would be forced to participate in the network, and customers would be able to opt out. But those who choose to participate would be able to choose their own internet service providers and plans according to their needs, the video states.

Cain said it would likely take at least a year before any shovels go in the ground to build the new broadband infrastructure. Cost estimates to build the network have not yet been established.

He said the feedback from residents and businesses regarding the proposal will be a big factor in how the project moves forward. The fiber optic network would be provided as part of a phased approach, based on which sectors of the city are more interested in having this new infrastructure.