The City of Stamford is home to a burgeoning tech industry with the emergence of the Stamford Innovation hub, part of a statewide ecosystem of entrepreneurial hubs, and home to the UCONN Stamford campus, Sacred Heart University Stamford campus and University of Bridgeport Stamford campus. The Stamford MSA is ranked 9th in a recent Kaufman report in startup density size (2011). Recently, Stamford has become an emerging media hub with the relocation of NBC Universal/Sports to the city, and joining other prominent companies that include World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Encompass Digital Media and Yes Network.
The City of Stamford is currently leading a group of forty-six municipalities in Connecticut that have joined together to facilitate the development of ultra-high-speed "Gig" internet networks for their communities. A joint Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") seeking information and dialogue with interested companies or developers, hoping to increase access to ultra-high-speed gigabit networks in their cities and throughout Connecticut while simultaneously reducing the cost of such networks for businesses, high-tech industry, universities, homeowners and other users. The RFQ has three goals: 1) Create a world-leading gigabit-capable network in targeted commercial corridors, as well as in residential areas with demonstrated demand, to foster innovation, drive job creation, and stimulate economic growth; 2) Provide free or heavily-discounted 10-100 MB (minimum) Internet service over a wired or wireless network to underserved and disadvantaged residential areas across the territories and diverse demographics of the RE; and 3) Deliver gigabit Internet service at prices comparable to other gigabit fiber communities across the nation.
Establish free wireless networks in parks and public spaces in the city.