Cleveland City Council Repeals Agreement for Citywide Fiber Network

Cleveland is moving to end its partnership with SiFi Networks Cleveland LLC regarding the development of a citywide fiber optic network. Through the passage of emergency ordinance 630-2026, City Council has voted to repeal a 2023 agreement that had authorized the Director of Finance to enter into a development deal with the company to install and maintain high-speed internet infrastructure within the city's public right-of-way.

The decision follows a determination by city officials that the project has not met its necessary milestones. According to a memorandum from the Department of Innovation & Technology, SiFi Networks has failed to fulfill several commitments, including the installation of any fiber infrastructure, the identification of final installation sites, and the application for or procurement of required permits 630-2026- Repeal Ordinance 583-2023- Sifi Networks. While the original 2023 plan aimed to expand broadband access, officials noted that no construction activities had commenced 630-2026 Memo to Law - SiFi Networks - Signed. Previously, the company had pitched a plan to bury fiber optic cables throughout the city to help close the digital divide A new company is promising to connect Cleveland to the digital future, but can it deliver? - cleveland.com.

The ordinance has officially passed and is now in effect. Moving forward, the City of Cleveland intends to pursue alternative methods to reach its broadband infrastructure goals and will continue to work with internet service providers currently operating within the city 630-2026- Repeal Ordinance 583-2023- Sifi Networks. Residents can watch for future city announcements regarding new partnerships or initiatives aimed at expanding high-speed internet access.

Source record

File
630-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
Passed
Committee
City Council
Introduced
May 7, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources