About BridgeNet
BridgeNet is the City of New Westminster’s open-access dark fibre network.
Our Story
About BridgeNet
It is city-owned infrastructure that helps residents, businesses, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) connect to fast, reliable internet.
BridgeNet does not sell internet, TV, or phone services.
Instead, the City leases fibre to ISPs, who then offer retail services to homes and businesses in New Westminster.
What is BridgeNet?
BridgeNet is a fibre optic network that runs through key neighbourhoods in New Westminster. ISPs lease this “dark fibre” and use their own equipment to light it and deliver services to customers.
This model:
- increases competition and choice for residents and businesses
- supports fair pricing and better customer service
- keeps critical digital infrastructure in public hands
When your building is connected to BridgeNet and you choose an ISP that uses it, you can benefit from:
- fast speeds suitable for working from home, streaming, and online learning
- more reliable and secure connections than typical copper or DSL lines
- the ability to choose from multiple ISPs where available
Why the City built BridgeNet
The City of New Westminster invested in BridgeNet to:
- support economic development and attract employers
- help residents access the services they need to work, learn, and connect
- keep essential digital infrastructure publicly owned and locally managed
- encourage competition among ISPs instead of relying on a single provider
BridgeNet is part of the City’s broader work to build a connected, resilient, and inclusive community.
How BridgeNet works
BridgeNet is an open access network. This means the infrastructure is shared and multiple ISPs can use it on equal terms.
1. The City builds and maintains the fibre network.
The City installs and operates the dark fibre that runs under streets and into connected buildings.
2. ISPs lease fibre from the City.
Internet Service Providers sign agreements with the City to lease strands of fibre and connect their equipment.
3. Residents and businesses choose a participating ISP.
Customers sign up directly with the ISP for internet, TV, and phone services.
2. ISPs lease fibre from the City.
Internet Service Providers sign agreements with the City to lease strands of fibre and connect their equipment.
3. Residents and businesses choose a participating ISP.
Customers sign up directly with the ISP for internet, TV, and phone services.
4. Everyone benefits from shared infrastructure.
The same public network can support many providers and many types of services over time.
Who uses BridgeNet?
BridgeNet is designed to serve multiple groups in New Westminster.
Residents
- People living in multi-unit buildings that are connected to BridgeNet
- People in multi-unit buildings who need fast, stable internet for remote work, streaming, gaming, and online school
- Renters and owners who want choice of ISP where available
- Residents start by checking their address, then contact an ISP that uses BridgeNet to see which plans are available.
Businesses and property managers
- Businesses that rely on secure, high-speed internet for cloud services, video conferencing, and point-of-sale systems
- Commercial landlords and strata councils that want to offer fibre-ready premises to tenants
- Developers who want their new buildings to be competitive in the local market
- BridgeNet can help make a building more attractive to tenants and future-proof it for new digital services.
Internet Service Providers
- ISPs that want to serve customers in New Westminster using high-quality municipal fibre
- Providers that value predictable lease rates and a clear, documented process
- Partners who want marketing and technical support from the City
- ISPs can contact the City to learn about lease options, service standards, and support.
How the City supports its ISP partners
In addition to providing a high-quality fibre network for lease, the City supports ISPs with:
An orientation package and operating manual
A listing on the BridgeNet website
A letter of introduction from the Mayor for local outreach
Economic development support and liaison with local business networks
Access to technical support from City staff
Marketing materials and graphics that explain BridgeNet to customers
Where BridgeNet is available today
BridgeNet is rolling out in phases. It is currently available in many multi-unit residential and commercial buildings in:
- Downtown
- Uptown
- Quayside
- Queensborough
- Brewery District
- Victoria Hill
More locations are added over time as new buildings are constructed and as opportunities arise to expand the network.
You can always see the latest coverage on the Check Your Address page. The interactive map shows whether a building is:
On-Net: already connected and ready for ISP service
Near-Net: close to the network, with fibre available nearby
Contact us if you would like to:
- ask a question about BridgeNet
- learn more about how the network works
- discuss a building that may be suitable for connection
- explore becoming an ISP that uses BridgeNet