QUICK SUMMARY
The City of Bloomington's fiber internet project, in partnership with Meridiam/mStreet Fiber, is over 50% complete and aims for completion by the end of 2026. Construction paused earlier this year due to the collapse of the primary contractor, AEG, but has resumed with ongoing repairs and new construction areas being established. The project will expand high-speed internet access to thousands of residents, particularly in housing authority communities.
The City of Bloomington's fiber internet project, a collaboration with Meridiam/mStreet Fiber, has surpassed the halfway mark and is slated for completion by the end of 2026. After a pause due to the collapse of primary contractor AEG earlier this year, construction has resumed as mStreet Fiber addresses outstanding issues. Since September 2024, more than 700 repairs have been completed, with less than 50 left to address, expected to wrap up by mid-November. Currently, work is active in three nearly finished zones that will bring fiber internet to an additional 2,500 residential units. The city is also evaluating bids for the next phase of construction, with a decision anticipated by year's end. Additionally, the project has successfully introduced affordable high-speed internet access to residents of the Bloomington Housing Authority's Walnut Woods Apartments. Rick Dietz, Director of Information & Technology Services, expressed excitement about the project’s progress in improving digital access for residents. The initiative aligns with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's vision of ensuring that all communities have the necessary technology for full societal participation.