Another option for broadband Internet is coming to Jamestown to be offered through the Board of Public Utilities in partnership with two other organizations.

Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Charles Schumer announced earlier this week that the BPU was awarded a grant, along with six others areas, to help expand high-speed Internet and broadband infrastructure across the state. These six new grants – for Orleans County, Schoharie County, the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, Franklin County, Sullivan County, and the City of Jamestown – build on previous awards, bringing the NY’s ConnectAll program’s total to $214.7 million.

The Municipal Infrastructure Program in the New York State Opportunity/ConnectAll agency has awarded EntryPoint Networks $29,926,817 to undertake the project locally with the BPU and Quanta Telecom Solutions. Grant funding will allow the BPU and its partners to create public fiber infrastructure to be made available to customers in the utility’s electric territory of Jamestown, Celoron, Falconer and parts of the town of Ellicott. The system will be open-access to minimize infrastructure while ensuring consumers have competitive choices over their internet providers and other related services. The BPU will own and operate the fiber optic infrastructure, while internet providers will provide services on that shared infrastructure.

The proposed parameters for the fiber optic network include the BPU electric service area, which covers around 22 square miles and includes urban, suburban and rural spaces. The BPU’s partners will assist in creating the fiber network.

The BPU, as the infrastructure owner, will be responsible for make-ready work, plant operations, existing facilities access, utility and operational support frameworks. EntryPoint Networks is responsible for logistical architecture, technical support, network electronics supply, the Open-Access operational platform, technical team training and operational support. Quanta Telecom Solutions will handle design, engineering, materials and logistics, construction, plant team training and outside plant support.

General Manager David Leathers said that this grant was something that the BPU applied for back towards the end of July and the beginning of August. He added that this is something that the BPU is very excited about, calling it “super significant for the community.”

“The open-access models in other communities have demonstrated the ability to create true market competition to reduce consumer costs while improving service levels,” Leathers said. “The BPU prides itself on being a good steward of public resources, managing resources ethically and transparently for the benefit of our customers. We are excited about the project opportunity to work with EntryPoint and Quanta and are truly thankful to Governor Kathy Hochul and NYS Empire State Development for this new unique opportunity to help build the state’s digital infrastructure, to better serve our community.”

Additionally, Leathers said the objectives for the network include economic development opportunities and an improved livability through enhancements to public safety, education, healthcare, emergency communications and government services. It will also allow for BPU customers to have another choice for their Internet besides current providers.

“This will provide more choice in the community for their Internet service options,” Leathers said.

Depending on when the contract is awarded, Kristofer Sellstrom, BPU deputy general manager, said work will begin immediately. The first phase of the effort will involve the BPU launching make-ready work and pole replacements. Construction of the entire project is expected to be completed in 2026.

“There will be a lot of new infrastructure in the electric division, including new poles being put in to help support electrification and distributed energy such as solar and batteries,” Sellstrom said.

Leathers added that besides giving people another Internet option in the area it also is set to provide reliable service at a lower cost. Rates are expected to be around $50.20 a month for 300Mbps and $65.20 a month for 2Gbps. Customers will be contacted to sign up for service later next year, with no cost to sign up during the two year grant period.

Ellen Ditonto, BPU business development coordinator, said outreach to places for young students such as the schools will also be an important part of this upcoming project for the BPU.

“We want to make sure young students have access to the internet that they need and cost is a part of that,” Ditonto said. “We will be working with the schools, visiting PTA meetings, and doing general outreach to tell how this will help the community.”

Leathers added to that, saying the BPU will be making sure to reach out to the community in any way they can as they prepare for this project.

“We want to give people the opportunity to ask any questions they may have,” Leathers said. “This is a great offering for our community.”