Salem, MA, agrees with SiFi Networks on citywide FTTP build

May 17, 2021

SiFi Networks and its construction partners will build the FTTP infrastructure, which it will then operate as an open access network.

Stephen Hardy

SiFi Networks says it has signed a deal with the City of Salem, MA, for the construction of a citywide fiber to the premises (FTTP) network. The fiber network developer will fund the build with an investment of more than $35 million. SiFi Networks and its construction partners will build the FTTP infrastructure, which it will then operate as an open access network.

“We’re excited that SiFi and their team will be starting construction on their high-speed fiber network this spring,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “Having a high-speed fiber internet alternative can improve the quality of life for residents, spur greater economic growth, and facilitate the installation of smart city technologies. Enhancing access and options for high-speed internet is especially essential during our response and recovery from COVID-19, as we strive to close the digital divide; help more residents access vital online services for work, education, and family connections; and simply provide greater choices for our residents and businesses.”

Salem is the sixth city in which SiFi Networks plans to build open FTTP networks. The company has launched construction in Fullerton, CA, with others scheduled to follow suit (see "Fullerton, CA, to benefit from privately funded open access broadband network"). SiFi Networks says it has an initial $450 million committed and has “an unlimited pool of infrastructure capital” at its disposal for builds in additional cities (see "Smart City Infrastructure Fund invests in SiFi Networks").

“SiFi Networks has already identified more than 200 cities that could become FiberCities in the future and bring fiber to over 10 million households across the US,” said Ben Bawtree-Jobson, CEO of SiFi Networks. “We are excited about changing America’s telecommunications landscape and eliminating the digital divide wherever we build our FiberCities.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.