Community Broadband Study
On September 8, 2020 the Webster City Council hired SmartSource Consulting, LLC of Grimes, Iowa to begin a multi-phase approach to evaluating broadband options for the community.
Phase 1 of the project is a Community Broadband Study and Assessment that will take place this fall. During this phase, SmartSource Consulting and its partners, Kielkopf Advisory Services and HR Green, will conduct the following activities:
Phase 1 of the project is a Community Broadband Study and Assessment that will take place this fall. During this phase, SmartSource Consulting and its partners, Kielkopf Advisory Services and HR Green, will conduct the following activities:
- Enter into a dialogue with WMTel to learn more about their short-term and long-term plans for service in Webster City. Since they have partnered with the City to utilize the City's existing fiber assets in the past, they are a possible stakeholder in any solution moving forward.
- Take steps to educate citizens about the importance of fast, reliable, and affordable broadband.
- Engage with individuals, anchor entities, and leadership groups to discover broadband gaps.
- Conduct and report on a comprehensive community broadband survey to measure attitudes about incumbent providers and gauge interest in public-sector involvement to closing service gaps.
Background
In 1998, voters in Webster City approved a municipal telecommunications referendum by a 84% majority. However a feasibility study for a municipal cable system was not favorable, so no additional action was taken. However, the city did build a fiber optic loop in the early 2000's. These aerial fiber optic lines were built to connect the electric department's substations and other facilities. Later, the City leased fiber to Woolstock Mutual Telephone (WMTel) so that they could use it to provide service to businesses along the route.
Recently, WMTel made a request to install a new underground fiber route in the City to expand services. This request has instigated a broader strategic-level evaluation of the role the City should play to expand higher-quality broadband access to the entire community, and if WMTel's request is consistent with those larger goals. There have also been additional requests for new connectivity, and for redundant connections for existing users.
Recently, WMTel made a request to install a new underground fiber route in the City to expand services. This request has instigated a broader strategic-level evaluation of the role the City should play to expand higher-quality broadband access to the entire community, and if WMTel's request is consistent with those larger goals. There have also been additional requests for new connectivity, and for redundant connections for existing users.
Resources for Webster City Residents
Click the Facebook icon above to visit the City of Webster City page. (@cityofwebstercity). LIKE the page and follow the discussion with fellow citizens!
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Frequently Asked QuestionsYou 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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