PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for broadband service improvements. The nearly $11M in Capital Project Fund (CPF) investments is the second CPF funding round with the purpose to improve broadband service for as many as 3,300 locations across 21 municipalities, as funding allows.
The investments are part of a larger effort by the Commerce Corporation’s ConnectRI program to support all locations identified as unserved and underserved, which refers specifically to internet service speeds.
“Access to reliable and affordable internet is no longer a convenience but a modern-day necessity,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Investments like this enhance learning, spark innovation, and promote economic growth – which are critical to raising incomes for all Rhode Islanders.”
“These investments are the culmination of nearly two years of thoughtful strategic and participatory planning that will lay the foundation for a more connected future that is necessary to ensure our state’s long-term economic success,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner.
The 21 municipalities set to receive these investments are:
- Coventry
- Cranston
- Cumberland
- East Providence
- Exeter
- Foster
- Jamestown
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Newport
- North Kingstown
- North Providence
- Pawtucket
- Providence
- Richmond
- Scituate
- Smithfield
- Warwick
- West Greenwich
- Westerly
- Woonsocket
In September, the Commerce Corporation selected two internet service providers (ISPs) for the first round of broadband investments in Jamestown, Newport, and Westerly. Future improvements across the state will be made with the state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding allocation of $108.7M from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The RFP will require buildouts of end-to-end fiber networks that can deliver 100/100Mbps speeds and will prioritize affordability, with 100/100Mbps service built with CPF funds not to exceed $53.09/month.
A pre-bid webinar will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 28. Proposals will be accepted until Dec. 6.
Click here to read more about the ConnectRI program.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number CPFFN0169 awarded to the RI Commerce Corporation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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