Akron (OH) residents will have affordable broadband internet access by 2030, says Mayor Shammas Malik

Akron (OH) Mayor Shammas Malik announced a long-term plan to bring affordable high speed internet to all city residents. Through a partnership with SiFi Networks, $200 million will be invested in a plan to install, maintain and operate an underground fiber optic internet network by the above targeted year of 2030. SiFi Networks plans to foot the entire $200 million bill at no cost to the city of Akron. “In 2024, it is essential that every person in Akron has access to high-speed, affordable internet,” said Mayor Malik. “Through this partnership with SiFi, every resident and business in Akron will have access to fiber internet, and SiFi has agreed to work with us to subsidize rates. I’d like to thank all of the City staff who have put in many hours over the last year vetting this partnership in order to move the needle on providing internet access for our residents.”