FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 17, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Sands
DSands@BergenCountyNJ.gov

BERGEN FIBER NETWORK GOES LIVE IN FRANKLIN LAKES

County-owned broadband delivers faster, more reliable service and savings for local government

ABOVE: County Executive Tedesco, Mayor Charles J.X. “Charlie” Kahwaty, Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur, and Bergen County Shared Services Director Brendan O’Reilly (Left to right)

VIDEO

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ – Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III announced that the Borough of Franklin Lakes is now officially live on Bergen County Fiber, the County’s high-speed, countywide broadband network.

Franklin Lakes joins a growing list of municipalities connected to the publicly owned fiber-optic system, which delivers faster, more reliable internet service to local governments, schools, libraries, and first responders—while reducing long-term telecommunications costs for taxpayers.

Bergen Fiber was launched as a shared services initiative to modernize government operations, strengthen cybersecurity, and enhance coordination between municipalities and County agencies. The network provides scalable bandwidth, secure data transport, and improved connectivity to support everything from public safety communications to municipal administration.

“Bergen Fiber is the kind of infrastructure that doesn’t always make headlines, but it makes a real difference every single day,” said County Executive James J. Tedesco, III. “Franklin Lakes coming online is another step toward a fully connected county — improving reliability, enhancing security, and delivering long-term value for taxpayers.”

“Joining Bergen Fiber strengthens the reliability of our municipal operations while delivering meaningful long-term savings for our taxpayers,” said Mayor Charles Kahwaty. “This partnership with the County gives Franklin Lakes a more dependable and cost-effective network to support the services our residents rely on every day.”

The Bergen County Board of Commissioners has supported the continued expansion of the network as part of the County’s broader infrastructure strategy.

“Bergen Fiber represents smart, forward-looking government,” said Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur. “By creating a countywide network, we are strengthening communication between municipalities and County agencies while controlling costs and improving service delivery. Franklin Lakes coming online is another important milestone in building a more connected Bergen County.”

The Bergen Fiber Network currently connects dozens of County and municipal facilities across Bergen County, including borough halls, libraries, and utilities authorities, and continues to expand as more towns opt into the shared service.

For more information about the Bergen Fiber Network or to learn how your municipality can participate, please contact BOReilly@BergenCountyNJ.gov.

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