“We’re thrilled that so many cities have joined the effort,” New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said in a press release. “This clearly demonstrates a high demand by cities for next-generation infrastructure to drive economic growth and social progress through the entire state.”
The key benefits of a state-run broadband network theoretically include higher speeds, lower subscriber costs and faster installation. Having so many public partners will help make the project more economically viable and attract development in the state, Connecticut Consumer Counsel Elin Katz said.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler tweeted in support of the recent announcement, writing, “Faster, better broadband = jobs, innovation, [economic] development.”
Parties still interested may submit to the state’s Request for Qualifications until Jan. 13.
