Project Benefits

Future-Proofing the 757

Enhancing the 757's appeal as a place to live, learn, and do business hinges on digital connectivity and region-wide collaboration.

With our Fiber Optic Network Ring as the uniting backbone, our region's residents, educators, businesses, and municipalities will be able to tap into the resources they need to adapt and innovate, keeping us steps ahead of future challenges and opportunities.

How Expanded Broadband Coverage Benefits Everyone in the 757

The Network Ring will directly impact and support the 757's growing industries:

Financial Services: High-Frequency Trading
Data Transfer and Storage: Microsoft / Facebook / Amazon
Cybersecurity: 17,000 more cybersecurity professionals needed in Virginia alone
Medical/Bioscience and Health Industries: Data analytics is key to driving down costs while improving care
Ecosystem for Business Investment and Entrepreneurs: Backbone connectivity at speeds of 10Gbps and beyond

Increased Connectivity Lets Us Do More Together

Support economic development activity for the 757's key industries and sectors, which will enhance business expansion and retention efforts.
Improve the Interoperability of our region's Emergency Response System.
Support our military and civilian worker infrastructure.
Help the region navigate flooding and sea level rise.
Help support the future of autonomous vehicles.

Preparing for a More Distributed Workforce

Pre-COVID-19, one in three workers was part of America's distributed workforce - a trend that continues to accelerate as companies establish nimbler business models that incorporate more remote work options and protocols. No longer tied to their job location, workers will seek regions with a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life, and our Network Ring will enhance our region's appeal and ensure that our residents have the resources to meet the demands of remote work.

Supporting Our Region's Military

How the Department of Defense approaches our region's next round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) will depend in part on how efficiently our bases and military institutions are able to operate. The U.S. Navy, for example, wants 30% of local workers to telework, and our Network Ring will allow us to meet this and other operational streamlining goals.

Building a Smart City Infrastructure

Improved Security
Lower Costs
Enhanced Communications
Increased Bandwidth
Improved City Services

Closing the Digital Divide

According to U.S. Census data, in our region's four largest cities (Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach) Black households are 10 to 15% less likely to have broadband access than white households. Our Network Ring help eliminate this digital divide and ensure that all who call the 757 home have equal, affordable broadband access, which will help to spur educational and career opportunities in turn.

Interested in Learning More

Contact the project team to arrange a virtual presentation for you and your organization.