American wireless service provider Verizon plans to expand its full-fiber Fios service to over 3,000 underserved addresses in Rhode Island's Jamestown and Westerly. The rollout will take place in partnership with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and will include USD 3.6 million in funding under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
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Fiber Deployment Planned
More than 54 miles of fiber will be deployed in connection with the build, longer than the distance from the northernmost to the southernmost tip of the state. Verizon said this expansion will deliver fiber broadband services to residents in underserved parts of the state.
Vice President of New England Wireline Network Operations for Verizon said, "Our commitment to Rhode Island continues as we expand access to our 100 percent fiber Fios internet service to power how residents work, live, and play."
"We applaud the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for their leadership in establishing this robust broadband program in the Ocean State. This program will help Verizon continue to build and enhance our fast, reliable network statewide while fostering digital inclusion and equity in under-resourced communities," said the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Verizon.
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Completion of Expansion
Verizon's Fios service will offer plans starting at USD 35 per month for 300 Mbps, with select areas of Rhode Island receiving access to 2 Gbps plans priced at USD 84.99 per month. Construction of the expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, Verizon said.
