Project Overview

In today’s digital society, high-speed internet is as essential as water, gas, and electricity. It is often considered the fourth utility, vital for the modern workforce to upskill, work remotely, and pursue new business ventures. It supports crucial services like telemedicine and remote learning. And, of course, it is irreplaceable for high-definition streaming and gaming. Currently, Memphis’ median fixed internet speeds rank among the slowest among major U.S. cities. Most Memphians cannot access high-speed fiber internet, but we are changing that.

We are building Memphis’ first citywide fiber network. It is a major step toward transforming Memphis into the nation’s most digitally equitable large city. This citywide network will support symmetrical internet speeds of up to 10Gbps.

The network will enable internet service provider Ting to deliver affordable, reliable, high-speed symmetrical internet to Memphisians regardless of income level.

A Memphis-based private company, Blue Suede Networks (BSN), will design, build, finance, and manage a fiber broadband network to enable ultra-high-speed internet connections throughout the city. The company’s contract with the City of Memphis is to build a network that will pass at least 85% of premises throughout the city, including at least 85% of low-income premises. BSN is making a historic private investment in Memphis, which can transform our community from one of America’s least connected to a national model of future readiness and inclusive connectivity.

The City of Memphis, BSN, and Ting are not just building a network but also fostering a sense of community. They will partner with local non-profit organizations, the backbone of our community, on a comprehensive digital equity program. This program will ensure that Ting’s fiber internet service is accessible and affordable but also adaptable by low-income members of the Memphis community, leaving no one behind in the digital age.

With construction already underway since April 2024, the first Memphians are eagerly anticipated to receive high speed fiber service. This is not just a project, but a promise of a brighter, more connected future for our city.

To find out when construction will begin in your neighborhood, visit map or call 901-440-2733.

For more information about the City of Memphis Fiber Program call the Engineering Department at 901-636-6700