Fiber grant to help Wareham stay connected

The town will receive $250,000 through the Municipal Fiber Grant Program to expand its existing municipal fiber optic infrastructure.

The funding is part of $10.1 million in grants awarded to 52 Massachusetts municipalities through the Community Compact Cabinet. The grants are intended to help communities improve cybersecurity, strengthen emergency preparedness and modernize local government technology systems.

The latest award builds on a previous state investment in Wareham's municipal technology network. In fiscal year 2022, the town received $195,700 through the same program to create a new municipal fiber network.

Municipal fiber networks help connect public buildings and services through secure, high-speed infrastructure. The networks can improve cybersecurity protections, support disaster recovery efforts and allow municipalities to provide more reliable online services to residents.

Gov. Maura Healey said the grants will help communities strengthen cybersecurity, modernize local government operations and improve access to services.

Wareham's latest award will be used to expand the town's existing fiber optic network, continuing efforts to improve connectivity and technology infrastructure across municipal facilities.