Timeline

Our Major Milestones to Date

July 2017

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from across the region began discussing a regional broadband concept.

Fall 2017

The City of Virginia Beach announced completed construction on the first transatlantic cable (Marea).

Fall 2017

HRPDC endorsed the Three-Phased Regional Fiber Ring Plan submitted to Go Virginia.

Early 2018

Hampton Roads City Managers charged their CIOs to identify how regional connectivity can benefit public safety, higher education, and economic development

July 2018

Five Hampton Roads Southside cities formed the Broadband Steering Committee.

October 2018

The region won National Smart Infrastructure Challenge.

January 2019

Completed 30% of the design and Master Plan for the Regional Fiber Ring.

November 2019

Southside Network Authority was formed.

June 2020

Hired Interim Executive Director and Hired Columbia Telecomm Corp (CTC) to conduct 60% of design and develop a construction cost estimate and business case analysis.

Mid-November 2020

CTC delivered 60% design, estimated construction cost, and business case analyses on options and timelines.

Mid-December 2020

Held a strategic retreat to examine the business case, estimated construction cost, and 60% design.

November 2021

Made the decision on the optimal approach for fiber infrastructure financing, construction, and ownership, including potential private partnerships.

2022 to 2025

Construction of Southside Regional Fiber Ring is ongoing.

Our Work Ahead

Major Milestones for the future:

2026

Lower cost, faster service, and broader coverage delivered to 757 Southside residents, businesses, and educational institutions.