The City of Erie is working with VNET Fiber to provide access to fiber optic internet throughout the city.

VNET Fiber has created a map, which highlights what they have done and what they are working on. Everything in blue indicates the areas currently have fiber optic internet. Everything in orange indicates which projects are in progress.

If all goes as planned, nearly half the city will have access to fiber within a year.

Erie City Council members recently met with VNET Fiber representatives to get an update on the overall project. The company said it has nearly doubled fiber optic access in the past six months.

VNET Fiber recently activated the area off W. 26th and Greengarden Blvd. More than 500 homes off of E. Lake Rd. will have service by the end of the month.

By providing access to fiber throughout the city, council members say it will have a tremendous boost on our economy.

"We need to be appealing to the next generation of business and the next generation of people," said Jasmine Flores, councilwoman. "The internet and fiber is kind of the next avenue to go, so if we can advance ourselves, we would literally make Erie the best opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to come and grow."

"It's no coincidence that as Erie's decline as the fastest growing city comparable to us, also has the fastest fiber," said Chuck Nelson, councilman. "This is a huge issue for community and economic development, and I think the pandemic really exacerbated that."

The Redevelopment Authority is working on a revolving loan to help VNET Fiber fund the project.