Lancaster, PA recently received five bids from companies interested in building a citywide broadband network. Bidders include Comcast, Shentel, Windstream, FirstLight, and Keystone Metro Fiber, reported Lancaster Online.
The request for proposals (RFPs) is the second coming of the project, known as LanCity Connect, which has been in the works for nearly a decade. Lancaster Online reported that for six years, the city engaged with MAW Communications on the network, which built out 16 miles of fiber, two remote switching stations, and set up about 160 customers before running into legal trouble. MAW was involved in the unauthorized use of the city’s electric utility poles and was sued. The city was involved in the lawsuit and paid $2.7 million to settle the dispute in 2020, taking ownership of the “work-in-progress” broadband network.
According to Lancaster Online, the city is covering $13,000 in monthly costs to support LanCity Connect customers. It also paid $68,000 to assess the build and issue the RFP. To date, the city has spent at least $4.5 million on the system, providing internet access for some city services.
“We are extremely pleased to receive proposals from five solid and reputable companies interested in providing fiber in the City of Lancaster,” said Patrick Hopkins, the city’s business administrator. “We will now perform a thorough review of the proposals before determining the next steps in the process. The city anticipates that the review process will take up to 60 days.”
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