Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson has issued a statement addressing the ongoing issues surrounding the city’s ambitious fiber network project, shedding light on setbacks caused by contractor failures and outlining the path forward for ensuring high-speed internet access for residents. While the project was launched with the goal of improving digital equity, it has faced significant hurdles due to contractor mismanagement and subsequent delays.
The City of Bloomington embarked on its fiber network initiative in 2022 as a public-private partnership with Meridiam, a global investment firm specializing in infrastructure. While the city itself did not directly fund the construction, it provided crucial non-monetary support, including tax abatements, permitting coordination, and right-of-way access. Meridiam established Hoosier Fiber Networks (HFN) to oversee the project, and construction responsibilities were assigned to Atlantic Engineering Group (AEG), later known as Trueline.
However, as construction progressed, AEG struggled to meet expectations. Over three years, constant turnover among executives and project managers led to a cycle of delays, unresolved repairs, and damage to public infrastructure. Additionally, the company failed to comply with permitting and safety standards, despite repeated efforts by the city to enforce compliance. Mayor Thomson explained that city officials issued fines, stop-work orders, and tracked violations in an attempt to hold AEG accountable, but the issues persisted.
“The subcontractor failed—plain and simple,” Thomson stated. AEG’s eventual bankruptcy in early 2025 further confirmed their inability to fulfill their obligations. Their abrupt departure not only halted progress but also mirrored similar problems encountered by other municipalities relying on the national subcontractor market for fiber deployment.
Despite these setbacks, the project has seen some progress. According to the mayor, approximately 50% of the fiber network has been completed, connecting over 4,000 homes. However, much of the existing work needs to be revisited to meet city standards. Remediation efforts are now the primary focus before new installations resume. Hoosier Fiber Network has brought in a temporary contractor to assess and repair faulty construction, with installation expected to be on hold for the next few months while these corrections are made.
The city is also working to secure financial resources to cover necessary repairs. Officials are actively pursuing AEG’s bond funds to mitigate the costs associated with fixing damages and ensuring the project can move forward without placing undue financial strain on taxpayers. Mayor Thomson has emphasized that accountability remains a priority and that HFN must find a reliable and responsible long-term construction partner to complete the project successfully.
“This broadband initiative was always about expanding access, improving digital equity, and giving every resident a chance to connect,” said Thomson. “When we say we’re building something for everyone, we mean it, and we will get it right.”
While significant challenges have slowed progress, the city remains committed to seeing the project through to completion. Bloomington residents seeking further updates or information are encouraged to contact the Office of the Mayor at 812-349-3406 or email [email protected].
