HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-19 Public Comment - G. Metzger (with Bozeman Fiber)- Broad ResolutionFrom:Greg Metzger
To:Agenda
Subject:Resolution 5031
Date:Monday, April 15, 2019 2:24:17 PM
Attachments:image001.png
Resolution 5031 April 15 2019.docx
Hi,
I will be at the meeting to speak tonight but would also like to offer a letter of support, Thank you,
Greg
Greg P. Metzger
CEO
Bozeman Fiber
2000 Commerce Way
Bozeman Mt. 59715
(406) 551-3265
Email: gmetzger@bozemanfiber.com
Website: www.bozemanfiber.com
Mayor Cyndy Andrus April 15, 2019
City Commissioners
Economic Development Director
Subject: Resolution 5031 – Broadband as an Essential Service
As the Commission considers this proposal Bozeman Fiber would like to offer our support and to outline
a few of the opportunities this resolution helps bring to life. We do recognize that many of these items
may have been identified in the past, however the critical and essential need for Broadband
infrastructure to Bozeman’s growth and prosperity require that we ensure that all these thoughts are
discussed and brought into the decision-making process.
1) Broadband is widely discussed as a marketing term with many of us having different definitions
in mind. In broad and general terms, it is a data communication system that is always on and
faster than Dial -up. This definition was then updated twice by the FCC with the last definition
being 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream in 2015. Over the last few years the ability to
deliver speeds of 1000 Mbps up/down has become the normal in many communities. As the
internet has exploded, and the ability to accumulate and share data has grown exponentially,
the older FCC definition is becoming obsolete. Expectations of consumers is changing daily as
they receive nearly all of their information about their community and indeed the entire world
from the internet. With few exceptions this type of data usage requires the use of Fiber optics,
which is by default becoming the basis of Broadband and high-speed communications. We
believe this is going to evolve into 10 Gig (10,000 Mbps) becoming the acceptable business
minimum with the already existing 60 Gig capabilities not far behind. This explosion of data
capability can be expanded into existing fiber lines with the technologies incredible growth
occurring in the transmission equipment (laser “pulsing”). This then leads to the need for
spreading fiber to every corner of the world we live in. Do not be mislead by the upcoming 5G
capabilities as being a new technology making fiber obsolete, when in actuality at this time fiber
is essential in moving 5G communications from tower to tower.
2) The placement of conduit in any new road or sidewalk project will be essential in mitigating the
cost of service and the further disruption of business districts and neighborhoods. The
placement of conduit alone in an existing neighborhood can easily exceed $70 per foot as
driveways, streets, sidewalks and existing services must be either dug up and replaced or bored
under. These costs are normally passed on to consumers, and with a lot with 100 ft of frontage
these means a minimum of $7,000. These costs do not include disruption of traffic, extra
engineering, damaging existing services or the cost of replacing sidewalks or streets. Most of us
can’t handle a cost like this, and instead compromise and have to use a legacy type system
which often barely meets the FCC’s current definition of broadband. If the conduit is installed
correctly as part of another project that cost can drop to as low as $6 per foot.
3) Bozeman Fiber alone probably averages a dozen requests for fiber service to facilitate working
at home for a business that is out of state, or a home-based. This does not include requests for
improved speeds for homeowners to facilitate 4k TV’s, and home internet usage for a variety of
emerging technologies (home security, in home operations of services, gaming). Although not
the norm at this time, as a community we could/should see a reduction in energy consumption
and with “fewer” commuter’s, better life out of our streets and improved air quality. Although a
bit esoteric today these factors will become more important as our ability to collect and
disseminate data continues to grow and increase public awareness of their community.
4) Legacy providers continue to try and enhance the viability and efficiency of existing investments,
however there are currently limits to the technology that effects the use of copper and
traditional cable. It is not unreasonable to believe sometime in the foreseeable future these
companies will need to place fiber to service their current customer base. It is not the norm for
them to consider using public conduit but future costs to place new infrastructure in existing
roadways and easements may be prohibitive, which will tend to limit service and competitive
activities which help reduce costs to consumers. Having existing conduit may lead them to
adjust their business model, and cause them to consider using the city’s conduit.
5) As our population continues to grow the influence of new generations will provide even more
pressure on communications and the need for information delivered by the internet versus past
generations use of newspaper, television and radio. At this time our community provides high
speed internet at the university, Gallatin College, Bozeman High school(s), the middle schools
and yes even our elementary schools. We are creating a generation that will need high speed
communications which will allow them to remain here and prosper.
6) Bozeman has enough building disruption for all of us. It would not be in the best interest of the
community to put telecommunications digging back in the streets/sidewalks as they need to
replace aging infrastructure if we can intercede at this time and lay conduit for future use.
In summary this resolution supports our citizens and has the ability to change the nature of how
we do business and enhances our ability to be connect with the world. Literally in a heartbeat.
The cost of incorporating these thoughts and requiring conduit into all projects is essential and
critical to our continued growth and ability to retain our incredible placement in the top of most
lists as a “Best place to live and work”. Please support Resolution 5031. Thank you, Greg
Greg P. Metzger
CEO
Bozeman Fiber
2000 Commerce Way
Bozeman Mt. 59715
(406) 551-3265
Email: gmetzger@bozemanfiber.com
Website: www.bozemanfiber.com