Rhode Island Commerce Announces Selection of GoNetspeed, Verizon for First Round of $25 Million Broadband Infrastructure Investment

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announces the selection of internet service providers (ISPs) to complete preapproved infrastructure projects that will improve broadband service for an estimated 6,700 locations in Jamestown, Newport, and Westerly. This round is the first of two to award nearly $25 million in Capital Projects Fund (CPF) investments. Three proposals were selected in a competitive bid process which prioritized speed and affordability by requiring buildouts to include end-to-end fiber networks that can deliver speeds of 100/100Mbps without exceeding $53.09/month. Contracts will be awarded to the following ISPs:

• Verizon- $2,071,245
• GoNetspeed- $9,308,052
• Verizon- $1,564,635