The Town of Hanover has completed the first phase of a multi-phase project to build a fiber optic network throughout the community.
Supported by over $775,000 in grant funding, the project installed six miles of fiber optic cable, linking nine municipal sites to the Regional Old Colony Communications Center in Duxbury, with minimal direct cost to residents.
The project replaces the town’s outdated VPN system, significantly improving internet speed, reliability, and cybersecurity across municipal departments. It also establishes the infrastructure for an upgraded public safety radio system, enhancing redundancy and communication capabilities for Hanover’s police and fire departments. Prior to the upgrade, municipal buildings and schools relied on commercial internet service provider routers, resulting in slow, unreliable, and costly service.
Hanover Public Schools faced frequent bandwidth issues that disrupted operations and consumed staff time. The new fiber network addresses those challenges with high-speed, secure connectivity. As part of the public safety enhancements, a new UHF radio system was installed in all Hanover Public School buildings. The system equips staff with mobile and portable radios to improve daily communication and ensure reliable contact with first responders during emergencies.
The project was a collaborative effort between the Hanover Fire and Emergency Management Agency, Hanover Public Schools, Hanover IT Operations, Hanover DPW, Hanover Police Department, and the Regional Old Colony Communications Center.