Fujitsu Selected by Florida Utility for Fiber Broadband Build-Out

By AIT News Desk On Aug 24, 2021

Broadband project part of Fort Pierce neighborhood revitalization initiative

Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. has been selected by the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) to plan, design and deploy a broadband network expansion to be part of a neighborhood revitalization for promoting long-term business growth on the Florida coast.

“We trust in Fujitsu’s experience and vendor-neutral approach to help us successfully roll-out this project.”

FPUA is a public utility that has provided electric, water, wastewater and natural gas services to the City of Fort Pierce and surrounding areas since 1972. Starting in the early 2000s, FPUA began offering dedicated internet to large businesses and anchor institutions through its FPUAnet division. In 2018, the FPUA Board approved an initiative to become a smart city by providing high-speed internet to all parcels within the city. This initiative provided the opportunity for a community partnership to deploy into Lincoln Park, one of the city’s revitalization zones.

Internet connectivity has become an essential utility for education, community services and economic prosperity. The smart city expansion will focus on enhancing the quality of life in the community through support of quality job creation, livable wages and safe, healthy neighborhood initiatives.

Fujitsu’s role as prime broadband network integrator includes providing market analysis, financial/ business modeling, engineering design, deployment and overall project management for the Lincoln Park project. The project is slated to be completed in phases, with initial service turn-up expected in early 2022. This network infrastructure has also been designed to support the future deployment of wireless technology, including public Wi-Fi in several areas.

“We are making a vital investment in digital equity for one of our community’s most underserved neighborhoods,” said Jason Mittler, FPUAnet manager, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority. “We trust in Fujitsu’s experience and vendor-neutral approach to help us successfully roll-out this project.”

“Network connectivity with equal access is important for community inclusion, education possibilities and economic development,” said Greg Manganello, senior vice president and head of wireless and service solutions, Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. “We are pleased to support FPUA’s mission to provide a next-generation network to enhance their customers’ quality of life.”