Vertical: Smart Cities
Application: Emergency Communications, IoT Infrastructure Monitoring, Municipal Operations, Student Connectivity
Ecosystem: Boldyn Networks
Private Network: LTE, CBRS
The City of Chesapeake, Virginia has partnered with Boldyn Networks to deploy a comprehensive private wireless network serving municipal departments, schools, libraries, and first responders. This initiative represents a significant step in the city’s digital infrastructure modernization efforts.
The deployment is part of the broader Chesapeake Connects program, which received partial funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. “Implementing an LTE private network allows us to enhance public safety, improve city infrastructure management, and provide reliable connectivity for critical services,” said Harvey Miller, Broadband Development Officer for the City of Chesapeake.
Boldyn Networks’ solution incorporates multiple wireless technologies to address various municipal needs. The network features a high-bandwidth CBRS overlay for fixed wireless broadband applications alongside a low-power, wide-area network utilizing LoRaWAN technology. This dual approach enables the city to support both traditional connectivity requirements and Internet of Things endpoints for smart city applications.
The LoRaWAN component is already operational with seven antennas installed and four additional units planned for comprehensive city coverage. This network segment supports real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure including flood sensors, waste management systems, streetlights, and air quality monitoring equipment. The design allows devices to communicate over long distances while consuming minimal power.
Emergency response capabilities receive particular emphasis in this deployment. The CBRS wireless network provides secure mobile access for emergency responders, public works teams, and municipal departments even when commercial networks experience outages. This redundancy ensures continuous communication capabilities during critical situations.
The private network also extends connectivity benefits to educational institutions within the city. Students and educational staff can access dedicated wireless services designed to support academic activities and digital learning initiatives. This component addresses digital equity concerns by providing reliable internet access in areas that previously lacked adequate connectivity options.
“Through Chesapeake Connects, the city is a leading example of how local governments can harness innovation and leverage technology partners to better connect for, and with, their communities,” said Chris Zack, Senior Vice President of Wireless Solutions for Boldyn Networks. The company brings experience from 130 global private network deployments to this municipal project.
Financial considerations played a significant role in the network design. The Chesapeake Connects initiative, supported by a $47 million investment, aims to reduce the city’s contracted network service costs from $1.38 million annually to $243,454 by the fifth year of operation. The city expects to generate revenue through excess fiber capacity leasing and partnership opportunities.
The project includes 175 miles of fiber optic cable with 160 miles of conduit, creating opportunities for the city to lease excess capacity to local broadband providers. Additionally, Chesapeake can extend private LTE coverage to partners requiring secure wireless services and develop smart infrastructure partnerships using the LoRaWAN network.
Public works departments gain modernized secure wireless connectivity for field operations and infrastructure management. The network supports upgraded communication capabilities for teams responsible for maintaining city facilities, utilities, and public spaces. This enhanced connectivity enables more efficient coordination and faster response times for maintenance activities.
