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Carson to launch its own internet service in time for 2026 FIFA World Cup
A soccer game takes place at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson
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Zaydee Sanchez
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LAist
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Carson is rolling out a $27-million plan to bring fast, reliable and affordable broadband to the city ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What's in the plan
The city's launching its own municipal fiber optic network to connect all major city parks to free Wi-Fi, including Dignity Health Sports Park, where practice sessions will be held. Massive crowds are expected for the soccer tournament, and officials say a strong internet network is crucial.
When it will start
Construction is slated to begin later this month. Residents can visit Carson’s website for updates on any street or sidewalk closures. The city expects all parks to be connected by next summer, and then will expand its service to residents during the final phase of the project, in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Low-income households could pay as low as $40 a month.
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Why it matters
Internet service can be spotty around Carson, and only a few pockets of the city have access to high-speed fiber. That’s why having hundreds of thousands of visitors searching for a signal at the same time could pose a public safety and business logjam, according to Carson’s IT and IT and security director, Gary Carter. Crowds are expected to livestream events and communicate with friends and loved ones, and vendors will need to be able to complete credit card transactions.
“Connectivity for a major event now is a component of public safety,” Carter said. “It's not an option. It's something that we have to do.”
Carson venues are slated to host archery and rugby sevens and cycling for the 2028 Summer Olympic games.
The backstory
Last year, Carson applied for an $8-million grant from the state’s Broadband for All initiative to help fund the project. The city didn’t win any money during the first round of funding, but officials decided to move forward this year by tapping into the general fund. Carter says the city is still awaiting a final award decision in the 2027-28 state budget.
Read more: With massive crowds expected for 2026 World Cup, Carson wants $8 million to improve spotty internet
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