FAIRLAWN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The City of Fairlawn announces the availability of the FairlawnGig Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP solicits proposals relating to the creation and implementation of a new municipal broadband utility to provide wireless and fiber optic internet services to the City of Fairlawn and the Akron-Fairlawn-Bath Township Joint Economic Development District. Known as FairlawnGig, this municipal broadband utility seeks to provide the residents, businesses, and visitors of Fairlawn with the benefits of the latest internet access technology and creativity available from the private sector.
At a meeting held on February 9, the Fairlawn City Council unanimously approved a municipal ordinance authorizing the Mayor to issue the Request for Proposals. “I thank the City Council for their foresight in approving this ordinance,” said Fairlawn Mayor, William J. Roth, Jr. “Broadband internet access is an essential utility for the 21st century. Through this initiative we will bring world class internet services to all residents and businesses of Fairlawn.” The City hopes to realize this vision by soliciting proposals from qualified high technology companies who are willing to partner with the City to design, build, operate, manage, and maintain the FairlawnGig utility. In so doing, the City is not proposing any increases in taxes or other assessments. Rather, the City’s broadband utility will be funded through private financing and revenues from operations.
The City of Fairlawn has created a website for the FairlawnGig RFP process. The FairlawnGig RFP, along with news, information, and detailed instructions on how to participate in the RFP process is available at www.FairlawnGig.info. Interested parties are encouraged to register at the website and download a copy of the FairlawnGig RFP.
For more information about the FairlawnGig Request for Proposals, contact Ernie Staten, Deputy Service Director at StatenE@ci.fairlawn.oh.us.