The city largely relies on media giant Comcast to provide internet to residents. But over the past few years, smaller independent companies and municipal power companies in places like Westfield and South Hadley entered the market to offer broadband speed internet connections using fiber-optic cable.
By requesting proposals, the city could create competition, upgrade to a high-speed system, lower subscriber prices and improve service, Delgado said.
Already, GoNetspeed, an independent broadband company, is seeking permits to install fiber in the Indian Orchard neighborhood. Once that is complete, it is considering expanding to the middle of the city.
While Delgado is in favor of the competition, he wants it to reach all of the city’s roughly 150,000 residents.
“I want to make sure that neighborhoods don’t get left behind,” he said.
Delgado has been chairman of the City Council’s Working Group on Digital Equity for about 18 months and has partnered with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, which recently completed a study of digital equity.
“Internet access is no longer a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure,” he said. “From students doing homework, to small businesses needing reliable access to markets, to seniors managing telehealth, every household in Springfield deserves fast, affordable and reliable internet.”
It is also a necessity to ensure economic growth in the city, he said.
Springfield wouldn’t be the first in the state to request proposals to bring in internet competition.
New Bedford officials went through a similar process to find a higher-speed system after a study showed that internet access was slow. Delgado said he visited the city of 100,000 recently and talked with officials about their experience with the effort.
“I want to find out who are the companies out there willing to work with the city,” Delgado said. “I’m looking for affordability, accessibility and competition.”
He said he has discussed the idea with Mayor Domenic Sarno’s office and plans to bring it to the full City Council for discussion as soon as Monday. It has already been discussed in a council subcommittee.
The city is also working with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and has applied for a $100,000 implementation grant, he said.
Delgado said he will look for other funding sources. A lot of federal funds to expand broadband internet made available after the COVID-19 pandemic have dried up since President Donald Trump took office, Delgado said.
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