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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