The City of Zanesville is in the final stages of a project that would bring wireless broadband to the downtown area.

According to Jay Bennett, Zanesville’s community development director, the city will soon select its provider for the broadband network.

The final contenders are a Columbus-based broadband provider and Sprint.

The project is funded in part by a $276,000 federal grant throughout the Appalachia Regional Commission, and the city will match the price to cover the other half, Bennett said.

The area downtown included in the broadband plans encompasses building between 3rd and 7th Streets, as well as South to Shinnick Streets.

Bennett said Zane’s Landing Park will also be included in the deal.

According to Bennett, should City Council give the final approval on the project, the downtown area will have some of the fastest internet speed in Zanesville.