Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Fiber Internet Project | News, Sports, Jobs

ConnectAll Senior Vice President Joshua Breitbart cuts the ribbon.
P-J photos by Owen Reed

The BPU hosted a ribbon cutting Monday that included Joshua Breitbart, ConnectAll senior vice president, who appeared on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul. The ribbon cutting followed speeches and thanks from a host of representatives from organizations that played a key role in different parts of the project.

The two internet providers that will be joining the network first will be Fiberspark of Ithaca and SumoFiber of Bountiful, Utah. Fiberspark is a leading provider of fiber optic internet to the Central and Southern Tier parts of N.Y. state. The company was created in 2012 at Cornell University, and has since expanded to designing, deploying, and maintaining fiber optic networks. The company provides services in six N.Y. counties, and has extended its reach to many underserved urban and rural communities. SumoFiber was founded in 2009 and is still based out of Utah. SumoFiber provides services such as fiber optic internet, home phone services, cellular services, and television solutions. While not founded locally, the company claims to plant deep roots in the communities that it serves. SumoFiber frequently provides investments and sponsorships to support events, schools, and nonprofits within served communities. The companies both have an extensive history of pushing initiative to expand internet access to underserved areas, and will soon be doing the same through the BPU.

BPU General Manager David Leathers opened the ceremony with a thanks to all at the ceremony, and a special recognition of the BPU Board Members in attendance. Deputy General Manager Kristofor Sellstrom followed and noted that the project will proudly ensure high-speed and affordable access to the internet for households and businesses. Sellstrom gave recognition to the line crews, electricians, and many behind the scenes workers that supported this complex project. Sellstrom noted that there is still work to be done including installing underground fiber, splicing, and service drop installation. Despite ongoing work, Sellstrom noted that construction will be complete before 2026.

Breitbart also had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Hochul and ConnectAll. ConnectAll is an initiative begun by Hochul in 2022, with the goal of establishing high-speed and affordable internet for residents and businesses in N.Y. The ConnectAll agency provided the BPU with funding for the fiber project. Breitbart discussed the way that this project reflects the visions and needs of community residents. This event builds on the BPU’s long history of serving community needs, and internet access has become a need in modern times, according to Breitbart. Breitbart also noted that this is an open access solution being built. This means that multiple internet service providers will be available on the network for residents to choose from, with more options likely to come in the future.

“I was trying to explain it to my kid, and he thought it sounded like science fiction that you could go and select your internet service provider and have multiple options that way because, you know, a lot of people don’t have that experience,” said Breitbart.

Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel was present to celebrate the fiber network project as well. Wendel presented a certificate of recognition from the Office of the County Executive to the BPU. This certificate gives recognition to the increased access to affordable and reliable internet, according to Wendel. Wendel also commemorated the work of all of those that planned, developed, and that will be maintaining this system, as it would not have been possible without the hard work of these people.

The company Entry Point Networks was the grant recipient on behalf of the BPU and CEO Jeff Christensen was present to speak further on the history of the project. Christensen stated that the project was initiated in 2021 through the mayor’s office, who then went on to connect the agency with the BPU directors. Christensen said that the next twelve months were spent vigorously planning for work to begin. Christensen commemorated the patience and leadership from local governments and the BPU, and stated that these characteristics were the reason that the project was able to get to the current point.

Sellstrom noted that beta testers are beginning to get on the network to perform tests. While services are not yet available for residents, BPU customers do have the opportunity to sign up for the fiber service currently. For more information contact 716-661-1633.