Chesapeake Broadband

What Is Broadband?

In simple terms, broadband is the infrastructure that makes it possible for us to send and receive digital information at high speeds over the internet. Think of it like a highway. Right now, our information highway here in Chesapeake is limited to only a few lanes. That can cause congestion and backups. Chesapeake's Broadband Initiative will construct the infrastructure necessary to provide additional lanes to the highway, making it quicker, faster, and more efficient for users. The infrastructure is an underground network of fibers that will be laid in a "ring" formation throughout the City, with the option to connect to the larger regional ring, a project that is also currently underway.

What This Project Entails

Just like with many construction projects throughout the City, Chesapeake will be working with a contractor to design the broadband ring (as in, determine where and how the physical cables will be laid). Once design is complete, construction will begin. When construction is complete, the project will roll into its next phase which will include managing and maintaining the ring while opening it up for schools, government buildings, and businesses.

What Is Not Part of This Project

Chesapeake Connects will install the citywide infrastructure, it will not provide broadband service to homes or businesses directly. That service will come from private companies. Having the local ring in place will make it more attractive and economical for commercial firms to offer broadband service to homes. Continuing the analogy of a road, you might think of it this way: the City builds the streets, but a private company constructs your home's driveway, connecting your house to the road.

Regional Ring

The capabilities of Chesapeake's broadband ring will be made even greater with the construction of a larger regional ring, connecting localities throughout Hampton Roads.