Fort Worth expands broadband access for residents

Fort Worth expands broadband access for residents

Published on November 05, 2025

Construction is now underway on Fort Worth's citywide fiber network, advancing efforts to expand broadband access and improve connectivity for both City operations and residents.

In 2023, the City Council approved an agreement with Sprocket Networks Inc. to build and operate the municipal fiber network through a public-private partnership. Once finished, the project will create more than 300 miles of fiber lines serving over 200 City facilities at fixed costs for the next 30 years. The network will also provide the foundation for future residential and business broadband service through private internet providers.

Supporting digital access citywide: This initiative builds on Fort Worth's previous efforts to close the digital divide. In 2022, the City launched a neighborhood Wi-Fi program to help families in five Neighborhood Improvement Zones stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. That program, which still sees about 5,000 unique users each month, will be phased out as new, affordable broadband options become available through commercial providers.

Funding and construction progress: The City invested $4.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and was awarded an additional $3 million from the North Central Texas Council of Governments to kick off construction. Mighty River LLC, led by broadband expert Joe Freddoso, is providing strategy and vendor oversight.

Sprocket Networks began construction in January. To date, more than 235,000 feet of network construction has been permitted, with more than 12,000 feet of conduit installed and 29 handholes placed in the public right-of-way. Digital Alpha finalized an investment partnership with Sprocket in September to strengthen funding and long-term sustainability.

Benefits for residents and City operations: For residents, the broadband network will make it easier to access online City services and expand opportunities for affordable, high-speed internet in underserved neighborhoods. Over time, the system is expected to help bring faster, lower-cost internet options to households and small businesses.

For City operations, the enhanced network will support public safety and emergency response systems, improve data sharing for traffic monitoring and ensure reliable service for virtual court sessions, online bill payments and other digital tools. Community centers, libraries and computer labs will also benefit from stronger and more stable connectivity.

What's next: Construction is ongoing in multiple areas across the city and is expected to continue through early 2027. The project will be completed in phases, with new sites going live as each section of the network is connected and tested. City staff are working with Sprocket Networks to create an updated map showing active construction areas for the public.

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