City of Bloomington City-Wide Fiber Internet Project on Track for 2026 Completion

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.