Rockford residents could have access to high-speed fiber internet within a few years. 

The company SiFi Networks is the one behind the development. An agreement between them and the city was settled this week.

WREX - The development agreement between the city and SiFi Networks will develop a citywide fiber optic network. The city will allow access and use the right-of-way to SiFi Networks, which will pay for and install the fiber optic network.

Over the next four years, more than 1,100 miles of fiber optic wire will be installed across the entire city. Homes and businesses alike would have access to the network which could be used for services like internet, TV, telephone, and home security.

Mayor Tom McNamara is, obviously, in full support of the deal:

This private $200 million investment in our city is a true game changer bringing stronger, faster, fiber optic network to our community.

SiFi has already installed 10 networks like this in California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The agreement between SiFi and the city of Rockford also states that the network would be required to reach every Rockford neighborhood so this would be able to be taken advantage of by every resident, no matter their address.

SiFi wouldn't sell their services directly to customers, instead, the network would be available for other services to use.

A fiber optic internet network in town will be a game-changer. It might not be something you think you need right now, but you probably didn't think you needed a 5G network 10, or even 5 years ago. If you're not planning for the next jump in technology, you'll be left behind, and fast. Nice to see Rockford planning for the future.

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