Chesapeake Completes Regional Broadband Ring, Expands City-Wide Fiber Network

New fiber optic infrastructure will boost internet connectivity and economic development across South Hampton Roads.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The city of Chesapeake, Virginia has completed an 18-mile portion of a regional broadband fiber optic ring connecting several cities in South Hampton Roads. Chesapeake has also begun constructing its own city-wide fiber network, called Chesapeake Connects, which is expected to expand high-speed internet options for residents by 2027.

Why it matters

Improved broadband connectivity is a priority for many cities, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for reliable high-speed internet access. The regional fiber ring and Chesapeake's own network are aimed at attracting new businesses, supporting economic growth, and providing more internet service options for residents.

The details

Chesapeake, along with the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach, formed the Southside Network Authority to oversee construction of the 100-mile regional fiber optic ring. Chesapeake has completed its 18-mile portion, which will connect to undersea transatlantic cables in Virginia Beach. Separately, Chesapeake is building its own 170-mile Chesapeake Connects network to improve internet capabilities for city offices, facilities and schools. Private internet providers will be able to tap into the Chesapeake Connects network to serve residents starting in 2027.

  • Chesapeake completed its 18-mile portion of the regional broadband ring in 2026.
  • The full Chesapeake Connects network spanning over 170 miles is expected to be constructed by the end of 2026.
  • Private internet providers can begin using the Chesapeake Connects network to serve residents in the spring of 2027.

The players

Southside Network Authority

A regional organization formed by the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach to oversee construction of a 100-mile fiber optic broadband ring.

Chesapeake Connects

A city-owned broadband network being constructed by Chesapeake to expand high-speed internet access for over 200 city offices, facilities and local schools.

Daniel Constantineau

Chesapeake's Chief Information Officer, who estimates private providers can begin using the Chesapeake Connects network to serve residents in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“Broadband connectivity became a priority for many cities across the nation at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, with many localities dedicating federal stimulus funds to various projects intended to expand high-speed internet access to areas where it doesn't exist.”

— Natalie Anderson (dailypress.com)

What’s next

The Southside Network Authority will take ownership of Chesapeake's portion of the regional fiber ring, reimbursing the city $1.7 million. Chesapeake will continue construction on the full Chesapeake Connects network, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

By co-building regional broadband infrastructure and developing its own city-wide fiber network, Chesapeake is positioning itself as a leader in improving high-speed internet access and connectivity in the South Hampton Roads area, which will support economic growth and provide more options for residents.