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Community Broadband

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Thank you for your interest - feedback for this project has concluded. 


Staff are planning an update to City Council in August at a Study Session.  

Background: 

Since 2018, the City has been working to build the necessary ‘fiber-backbone’ infrastructure (“Phase I”) needed to deliver high-quality fiber-based internet service to all members of the community. With the backbone construction scheduled for completion in 2023, the city is now considering two main paths to deliver services (“Phase II”): Option 1: Create a public-private partnership OR Option 2: Create a new municipal internet utility.


This project intends to provide individuals and businesses with the broadband quality, affordability, and local, regional, and national connectivity they need to live, work, and compete successfully in the global marketplace. 


Why does this project matter:  

Boulder has the opportunity to shape broadband service to reflect the community’s values. Broadband is a critical service for quality of life that is on par with roads, water, sewer, and electricity. Every home, business, nonprofit organization, government entity, and place of education should have the opportunity to connect affordably, easily, and securely.  

What happens now:  

City staff will spend the next several months exploring both options through the issuance of a Request for Information to understand market interest in a potential public-private partnership while concurrently investigating financing options for a municipal internet utility. Additionally, a community engagement process will occur with the following goals:  

  1. to understand community and stakeholder priorities for internet quality, price and access 

  1. assess community perspective on subsidized internet service and the city’s role in providing internet service as an essential utility.  

The city is partnering with BBC Research & Consulting who will conduct a statistically-valid community survey to understand Internet needs and priorities. Community members can expect to receive the survey invitation by email. The survey can be completed digitally or over the phone in English or Spanish. While many community members will be contacted, they will not be able to connect with everyone. Community members that do not complete the survey are encouraged to share their internet priorities below through July 21.

Starting June 27, The City of Boulder will begin hosting a number of in-person and virtual focus groups to learn about the current and future Internet needs of local businesses. Space is limited and registration is required.

Staff are planning an update to City Council in August at a Study Session.  


Background: 

Since 2018, the City has been working to build the necessary ‘fiber-backbone’ infrastructure (“Phase I”) needed to deliver high-quality fiber-based internet service to all members of the community. With the backbone construction scheduled for completion in 2023, the city is now considering two main paths to deliver services (“Phase II”): Option 1: Create a public-private partnership OR Option 2: Create a new municipal internet utility.


This project intends to provide individuals and businesses with the broadband quality, affordability, and local, regional, and national connectivity they need to live, work, and compete successfully in the global marketplace. 


Why does this project matter:  

Boulder has the opportunity to shape broadband service to reflect the community’s values. Broadband is a critical service for quality of life that is on par with roads, water, sewer, and electricity. Every home, business, nonprofit organization, government entity, and place of education should have the opportunity to connect affordably, easily, and securely.  

What happens now:  

City staff will spend the next several months exploring both options through the issuance of a Request for Information to understand market interest in a potential public-private partnership while concurrently investigating financing options for a municipal internet utility. Additionally, a community engagement process will occur with the following goals:  

  1. to understand community and stakeholder priorities for internet quality, price and access 

  1. assess community perspective on subsidized internet service and the city’s role in providing internet service as an essential utility.  

The city is partnering with BBC Research & Consulting who will conduct a statistically-valid community survey to understand Internet needs and priorities. Community members can expect to receive the survey invitation by email. The survey can be completed digitally or over the phone in English or Spanish. While many community members will be contacted, they will not be able to connect with everyone. Community members that do not complete the survey are encouraged to share their internet priorities below through July 21.

Starting June 27, The City of Boulder will begin hosting a number of in-person and virtual focus groups to learn about the current and future Internet needs of local businesses. Space is limited and registration is required.

Staff are planning an update to City Council in August at a Study Session.