New Westminster launches BridgeNet open-access fibre optic network

New Westminster – Yesterday, the City of New Westminster welcomed residents, businesses, and internet service providers at Anvil Centre to celebrate the launch of BridgeNet – the new City-owned open-access fibre optic network.  The one-gigabit rated network is currently being installed along commercial districts of the city.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of BridgeNet,” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “This is a key part of our Intelligent City initiative, and with it we hope to attract employment and investment in the city’s knowledge sector.”

Local internet service providers Novus, AEBC, Uniserve, and Urban Fibre will lease fibre from BridgeNet and sell the high-speed service to customers. Competitively priced high-speed broadband service is expected to be available in September.

“With the expansion of the Royal Columbian Hospital underway we will see more health and technology companies move into New Westminster,” said Councillor Bill Harper, Co-chair of the City of New Westminster’s Intelligent City Advisory Committee. “The creation of BridgeNet provides a platform for companies such as these.”

The installation of dark fibre supports a number of economic development initiatives underway in New Westminster including Intelligent City and IDEA Centre. Anchored by the Royal Columbian Hospital, IDEA Centre will spur the creation of a health care, technology and learning hub will bring high technology sector businesses and amenities to New Westminster.

In the coming weeks internet service providers including AEBC, Novus, Uniserve and Urban Fibre will be approaching businesses, property managers, and multi-family residences to market their offerings. High-speed broadband service will be available in Downtown and Uptown New Westminster this September, and in Sapperton and Quayside in 2017. Visit www.bridgenetnw.ca to learn more.

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Contact:
Blair Fryer
Communications and Economic Development Manager
City of New Westminster
or 604-527-4688