Verizon has announced that it will launch a $300 million-project to build fiber optic communications network in Boston in the next six years.

The project will commence later this year. It will start putting up 800 miles of fiber optic cable in the Dudley Square section of Roxbury, Dorchester, and West Roxbury. From there, construction of the new network will spread to Hyde Park, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, other parts of Roxbury, and then beyond. The company will prioritize different parts of each neighborhood.

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The said project will speed up downloads, lower bills and supercharge the city’s booming tech sector. According to Verizon, the new network will offer Internet speeds of up to 500 megabits per second. Once the fiber is installed, Fios television service will be available as well. Verizon will also be able to install wireless equipment on city utility poles to improve Verizon cell service.

“Boston is moving faster than our current infrastructure can support, and a modern fiber-optic communications platform will make us a next level city. Additionally, it is a priority to ensure that every resident has expanded access to broadband and increasing competition is critical to reaching that goal. I thank Verizon for their investment in Boston and for partnering with the city to provide the foundation for future technology growth,” Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement.

In addition, the wireless company plans to test its next-generation 5G cell service in Boston. It is the first city identified as a possible test location. Verizon’s 5G service is being tested and developed in part at its innovation center in Waltham. Verizon’s new focus on 5G played a big role in deciding to build in Boston, saying the lightning-quick service requires a fiber backbone.

Presently, the 655,000 residents of Boston will soon have a choice between Fios, Comcast and RCN. The city estimates 90 percent of its residents only have one Internet option.

Tagsverizon, fiber network, FiOS, Boston