Community Corner

East Brunswick Approves Optimum Deal To Bring Faster Internet To Township

Optimum received township approval to use public rights-of-way for a next-generation fiber network set to roll out this year.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — On Monday, Council approved a license agreement granting Optimum Communications permission to install fiber-optic infrastructure along public rights-of-way, paving the way for a new high-speed broadband network across the municipality.

The council passed Resolution 26-145, authorizing Optimum — operating through its subsidiary CSC TKR, LLC — to install, operate and maintain communications facilities within township rights-of-way. The agreement requires all work to comply with federal, state and local laws and permitting requirements.

Aeisha Hayward, who leads government affairs for Optimum in New Jersey, told council members the company plans to deploy a fiber-to-the-home network throughout East Brunswick beginning in 2026.

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"It's more than infrastructure," Hayward said. "It's about supporting economic growth, enhancing quality of life and ensuring the community is well positioned for the future."

The fiber network will deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical upload and download speeds, along with improved reliability and lower latency compared to existing cable technology, Hayward said. The service is designed to maintain consistent performance even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.

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Hayward said the expansion is intended to increase competition in the local broadband market, giving residents and businesses additional options beyond current providers. The company plans to offer a range of pricing tiers to address affordability concerns.

Residents will be able to track service availability in their neighborhoods and explore package options through Optimum's website, she said.

Optimum is authorized to provide communications services in New Jersey by the state Board of Public Utilities and the Federal Communications Commission.

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