Two companies sign ErieNet internet contracts

TL;DR

ErieNet Contracts Signed: Two private companies have signed contracts with ErieNet for high-speed internet work.[[1]](https://www.facebook.com/TheBuffaloNews/posts/two-private-companies-have-signed-contracts-with-the-erienet-the-countys-multimi/1350709460423508)[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)
Multimillion-Dollar Project: ErieNet is Erie County's multimillion-dollar broadband construction effort to serve all county parts.[[1]](https://www.facebook.com/TheBuffaloNews/posts/two-private-companies-have-signed-contracts-with-the-erienet-the-countys-multimi/1350709460423508)
Fall Rollout Possible: The project could be running this fall as construction advances.[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)

The story at a glance

Two private companies signed contracts with ErieNet, Erie County's broadband project aimed at delivering high-speed internet countywide. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz discussed the development with The Buffalo News. The article is being reported now amid ongoing construction progress and ahead of Poloncarz's 2026 State of the County address on April 23.[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)

ErieNet is a long-planned open-access middle-mile fiber network funded partly by federal American Rescue Plan money.[[3]](https://www4.erie.gov/exec/press/erie-net-set-begin-construction-phase)

Key points

ErieNet is a multimillion-dollar county project to build high-speed internet infrastructure across all areas of Erie County, New York.[[1]](https://www.facebook.com/TheBuffaloNews/posts/two-private-companies-have-signed-contracts-with-the-erienet-the-countys-multimi/1350709460423508)
Two unnamed private companies signed contracts specifically for internet work on the project.[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)
The network is a nearly 400-mile dark fiber backbone owned by the county and managed by ErieNet LDC, a not-for-profit corporation.[[4]](https://www.erienet.com/)
Construction is underway, with portions potentially operational this fall (2026).[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)
The project has faced delays from red tape but is now advancing toward substantial completion by end of 2026.[[5]](https://www.erienet.com/news/major-progress-2026-annual-meeting-press-release)

Details and context

ErieNet functions as a wholesale middle-mile network, leasing fiber capacity to carriers, enterprises, and service providers who handle "last-mile" connections to homes and businesses. It targets unserved and underserved areas, including rural and urban parts of Erie County, to boost economic development, education, healthcare, and public safety connectivity.[[3]](https://www4.erie.gov/exec/press/erie-net-set-begin-construction-phase)[[4]](https://www.erienet.com/)

Funded initially with about $36 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds, the project plans around 400 miles of fiber optic cable connecting municipalities, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Larger providers like Spectrum and Verizon have shown little interest, but smaller ones are engaging.[[3]](https://www4.erie.gov/exec/press/erie-net-set-begin-construction-phase)[[6]](https://www.ecctec.com/news/public-corporation-created-to-bring-high-speed-broadband-to-all-of-erie-county)

Recent steps include fiber installation starting in areas like the Town of Boston, a $5 million state grant for expansion, and negotiations with more municipalities and internet providers.[[5]](https://www.erienet.com/news/major-progress-2026-annual-meeting-press-release)

Key quotes

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz talked with The Buffalo News about the new contracts (details from multimedia/photo caption).[[7]](https://buffalonews.com/users/profile/libby%20march)

Why it matters

ErieNet addresses the digital divide in Erie County by providing backbone infrastructure that could enable reliable high-speed internet where options have been limited. Residents in underserved areas may gain better access to education, healthcare, remote work, and emergency services through partnering providers. Watch for announcements of additional provider agreements and the actual rollout timeline later this year, though past delays suggest caution on exact dates.

What changed

No prior state described in visible article text or matching coverage.

FAQ

Q: What is ErieNet?

A: ErieNet is Erie County's multimillion-dollar broadband construction project to bring high-speed internet service to all parts of the county via a 400-mile open-access fiber network. The county owns the infrastructure, managed by ErieNet LDC, which leases capacity to private providers.[[1]](https://www.facebook.com/TheBuffaloNews/posts/two-private-companies-have-signed-contracts-with-the-erienet-the-countys-multimi/1350709460423508)[[3]](https://www4.erie.gov/exec/press/erie-net-set-begin-construction-phase)

Q: What do the new contracts cover?

A: The two private companies signed contracts with ErieNet for internet work, likely involving use of the network to provide services.[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)

Q: When might ErieNet start running?

A: The project could be running this fall, with construction on track for portions to come online then and full substantial completion by end of 2026.[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)[[5]](https://www.erienet.com/news/major-progress-2026-annual-meeting-press-release)

Q: Who is involved in ErieNet?

A: Key figures include Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and ErieNet LDC Executive Director Melissa Hartman; two private companies recently signed on for work, amid broader provider interest.[[2]](https://buffalonews.com/news/local/article_f58d27fd-697e-425c-8d60-b46749bf28ee.html)

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