Q: How will the local Maquoketa network be connected to the World Wide Web? A: The local network in Maquoketa would be connected to another fiber optic network that would provide a connection to one of the primary internet peering points, such as Minneapolis, Kansas City, or Chicago. Maquoketa is also part of a group of eastern Iowa communities that are studying a publicly-owned fiber network to interconnect with each other and and to these peering points in order to avoid having to pay another company for that connection. Q: Do we already have some fiber in town? A: Yes, all broadband networks have some fiber optics. Traditional cable and telephone companies use fiber to transport signals over light to neighborhoods where the signal are then converted to electrical signals, which are then connected to your home or business on copper cables (coaxial for cable TV, twisted-pair for telephone). Community fiber broadband networks are 100% fiber all the way to the home or business. The advantage is nearly limitless capacity, and increased reliability because there are fewer devices that require power along the route.
Q: If I sign up for fiber optic broadband will I have to change my current internet service provider and email address? A: Yes. A new community-owned fiber optic broadband network would be a different provider than you have currently. If you have a web-based email address, like Gmail or Yahoo it would not need to change. Q: What other cities have their own community broadband networks? A: Actually there are over 150 community-owned broadband networks across the nation. Iowa has been one of the pioneers in the concept of local citizen ownership of broadband technology. Over two dozen communities in Iowa have built networks, including the Maquoketa's neighbor Bellevue. CLICK HERE to see a map showing the municipal broadband networks in Iowa.
Q: How much would it cost to build a fiber optic broadband network in Maquoketa? A: There are a lot of factors that go into account when determining the cost of a fiber broadband network. To determine that number for Maquoketa, the Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility would need to hire engineers and consultants to design the system and determine a cost. Once a cost estimate is prepared, a business plan could be created so that MMEU could determine whether or not the system makes financial sense for the community.
Q: What is the cost per household to build a network? A: As the answer above indicates, that's a question that would be answered during the next phase of the study. However, it's important to note that the network will be paid for through user fees by people who choose to purchase services from it, not by taxpayers. So a resident who keeps using other providers for their services will not be paying anything for it.
Q: I'm all for it! How can I help get this off the ground? A: First of all, plan to attend the Fiber Town Hall Meeting in Maquoketa on Tuesday, August 9th at 6:30pm. Secondly, talk to your friends and neighbors and encourage them to do the same. Finally, reach out to the staff or Board members at Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility and let them know you support the next step in the research, a full feasibility study.
Q: Will service be provided outside of the Maquoketa city limits? A: Many community fiber broadband networks also provide wireless broadband service to rural areas surrounding their communities. It's an option that MMEU may explore if they move forward with a full business case and cost estimate.