Q: How does it work and when is it available?
A:  The idea is that the city would build a fiber optic network and operate it as a city utility. The network would be paid for with user fees from residents who subscribe to internet, cable tv, or phone service. Right now the City is just gathering input from residents about whether or not they like the idea in order to decide whether to invest in a full feasibility study.

Q:  What kind of speeds could we expect from a community fiber broadband network?
A:  Fiber optics technology, which would be used in Charles City, is capable of providing much faster speeds than outdated copper networks like cable and telephone companies use.  Many community fiber networks provide services at 1 gigabit per second download and upload.  That's 1,000 megabits per second, or several times faster than what you can get today.  

Q:  How much would installation be?
A:  The City of Charles City will need to determine specifics of their service, such as monthly pricing and installation charges. In almost all cases, there is no charge to run the fiber optic cable to your home and business because it is part of the overall network build. There may be installation charges for specific services (internet, cable tv, telephone) but those decisions will be made locally, not by a big out-of-state company.