Title
Broadband Internet Referral Item #080696 (NB)
This item is related to the extension of broadband internet.
Explanation
On December 18, 2008 the City Commission referred the issue of extending broadband internet into older neighborhoods in the City to the RUC.
After several presentations by staff, it was determined that due to current construction costs, there was not a viable business case for GRUCom to construct a fiber optic network in existing residential areas.
There are other considerations that might present an opportunity for the deployment of a fiber/broadband network into these areas. The RUC recommends that the City Commission refer this to the CRA to investigate the different scenarios which might be utilized to develop a viable business case.
Recommendations
The Regional Utilities Committee (RUC) recommends that the City Commission: 1) refer to the CRA a request to consider developing incentives for the use of broadband and other desirable utility services; 2) refer to the CRA a request to consider developing a program for utilizing CRA funds for extending GRUCom within CRA districts. This would include the consideration of special assessment districts; and 3) remove this item from the RUC referral list.
Fiscal Note
The fiscal impact would vary depending on the size of the project and the CRA should include the fiscal impact in their report.
Drafter
Submitted by Robert Hunzinger, General Manager