At the beginning of the year, we announced our plans to build a city-wide fiber network that will enhance utility operations, allow us to better serve customers and meet the needs of our thriving community. Last week, we hit a major milestone. Through a competitive procurement process we secured the prime contractor, ADB Companies, to build our fiber network.
Construction of this network will begin by the end of September in the northern part of the city, roughly from Woodman Road extending north to the city’s boundary between I-25 and Union Blvd. This area was selected for several reasons, including our utility system needs, speed and cost of construction and customer growth.
This network will provide the connection from the street level – either underground or overhead – to our backbone ring.
The ADB Companies has a proven track record in fiber network construction. They served as the prime contractor for the Springfield, Mo., project. The combination of their ability to understand and deliver a quality product along with their cost relative to other companies made them the best value for our customers.
Owning this fiber network will help us increase our data security, improve safety and optimize customer value. For example, we will be able to monitor in real time overhead transmission line temperature to help reduce power outages and improve wildfire prevention. It will also allow us to fully utilize transmission capacity to get the most out of our existing assets.
Costs to construct this network will be significantly offset through a lease agreement with Ting Internet, a national fiber internet provider, and other organizations on our non-exclusive network. As a reminder, we will not be an internet service provider.
As the network is built, service addresses will be available to sign up for internet service. We expect the first customers to receive internet service from Ting Internet in early 2023.