WeLink Launches $100 Million Cities Challenge to Advance Digital Equity

Source: 
Coverage Type: 

WeLink announced the Cities Challenge to invest up to $100 million of private capital in deploying the company’s turnkey solution in low-income communities across the country. The company focuses on bringing ultrafast internet to historically overlooked communities to make them future-ready. The WeLink Cities Challenge allows cities to work with WeLink to deliver much-needed digital infrastructure in neighborhoods identified by government partners. Through the Cities Challenge, WeLink aims to partner with large and mid-sized cities to accelerate efforts to deliver lasting digital equity. WeLink anticipates providing streamlined access to publicly owned assets for broadband equipment and, potentially, limited capital assistance for one-time investments such as open-access wiring inside buildings. Multi-gigabit service from WeLink will come at no cost to households verified through the Affordable Connectivity Program and at straightforward, affordable pricing for everyone else. Starting on May 16, 2022, municipal officials will be able to submit an expression of interest form on the WeLink website. The formal application period will be open June 1-24, with households in selected communities gaining multi-gigabit connectivity beginning in Fall 2022.


WeLink and Washington, D.C. Announce Broadband Partnership as the Company Launches $100 Million Nationwide Challenge for Cities