Feasibility Study
New Hampton Light Plant has hired Lookout Point Communications of St. Paul, MN to conduct a feasibility study that examines the cost of a community-owned fiber network and whether or not a business case for the network exists. Check back for more details on the feasibility study as it progresses.
In 1999, citizens of New Hampton approved a referendum to establish a municipal telecommunications utility by an overwhelming majority of 84%. Like many other communities that took that initial step, the concept was not explored further, in large part because incumbent providers promised better service in the future. And although some improvements were made, over time community leaders have come to feel that New Hampton is in danger of being left behind as other communities get access to state-of-the-art fiber to the home (FTTH) networks.
In 2015 the leadership at New Hampton Municipal Light Plant, concerned that the community may not be receiving the quality of telecommunications services needed to ensure its long-term health and viability, joined with ten other Iowa communities to study the feasibility of a fiber network to interconnect the communities. This network, the Iowa Fiber Alliance, is now moving from concept to reality, and its existence will greatly enhance the viability of new local fiber networks in communities like New Hampton.
As a public power community, New Hampton also has a strong interest in telecommunications to facilitate new smart grid applications in the future that will increase electric efficiency and lower costs of operations. A municipal fiber project would offer great value to the electric utility for its smart grid needs now and in the future.
In 2015 the leadership at New Hampton Municipal Light Plant, concerned that the community may not be receiving the quality of telecommunications services needed to ensure its long-term health and viability, joined with ten other Iowa communities to study the feasibility of a fiber network to interconnect the communities. This network, the Iowa Fiber Alliance, is now moving from concept to reality, and its existence will greatly enhance the viability of new local fiber networks in communities like New Hampton.
As a public power community, New Hampton also has a strong interest in telecommunications to facilitate new smart grid applications in the future that will increase electric efficiency and lower costs of operations. A municipal fiber project would offer great value to the electric utility for its smart grid needs now and in the future.
Community Broadband Engagement and Education Project
New Hampton Light Plant has initiated a project designed to explore whether or not their is sufficient interest in a community-owned fiber optic broadband network to conduct a full-scale feasibility study.
There are four key elements of the Community Broadband Engagement and Education Project.
- Engagement: Though meetings, social media, and other methods, we will open a dialogue with the community about the possibility of a community-owned network.
- Education: Provide community members with information about the importance of fast, affordable, reliable, and ubiquitous broadband services.
- Measurement: Though surveys and forums, measure whether citizens want New Hampton Municipal Light Plant to take the next steps in the evaluation process, which would include a preliminary network design, cost estimate, and business case.
- Evaluation and Discussion: A final report will be prepared based on the findings of the Community Broadband Engagement and Education Project, providing New Hampton Light Plant with the information they need.
Resources for New Hampton Residents
Click the Facebook icon above to visit the New Hampton Community Broadband Facebook page (@newhamptonbroadband). LIKE the page and follow the discussion with fellow citizens!
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FAQ'sYou may have a lot of questions about the what a community-owned fiber network would mean. On this page we'll keep an updated list of questions we receive and answers to those questions.
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Schedule
Several meetings will be held to give citizens an opportunity to learn more and share their input. Check this page for the latest schedule.
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