Title
Community Broadband Network (CBN) 30% Project Completion for Council Renewal of Commitment to Next Interval (60%).
Suggested Motion
I move that Council renew its commitment to the Community Broadband Network project by supporting the next phase to 60% completion, due December 2011, based on community feedback and majority support of the fiber optic network installation in Los Alamos County, including White Rock.
Administrator's Recommendation
The County Administrator recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Body
During the August 3, 2010 Council Meeting, Council endorsed the scope of the Community Broadband Network Study as identified by the deliverables and business plan model sections of the staff report and directed staff to consider this a Phase 2 conceptual design study.
During the April 19, 2011 Council Meeting, Council approved Budget Revision No. 2011-42 to award Service Agreement No. AGR11-3778 to Crestino for design and consulting services (in the amount of $511,690 plus GRT) with the intent for Council to renew its commitment to the project at 30, 60 and 90% completion intervals.
At this 30% project completion interval, the following updates can be presented in support of continuation of the Community Broadband Network project:
Market research, both quantitative and qualitative, has provided approval measures of 75% residents feeling CBN is at least a good idea with 71% willing to switch to a provider that would offer broadband service. Eighty-Five percent of residents look forward to an "open network" to encourage competition and choice among service providers. Only 22% of LAC residents report reliable television service, with 67% willing to switch to a broadband capable service provider. This same market research also suggests that 71% of business owners feel broadband is a good idea for the community.
The following reasons should be considered in support of continuation of the CBN project:
Advanc...
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