| ITEM #: 1. DATE: 03/28/2022 AI #:622 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | BROADBAND ASSESSMENT |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Justin Fair, Chief Information Officer |
OTHER PRESENTER(S):
Chris Bland, Cell Site Capital
Summary
As part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 - 2024 Strategic Plan, City Council directed staff to initiate and complete a citywide broadband connectivity assessment by the end of FY 2022 to identify and ensure the best access to the highest quality internet services. (Justin Fair, Chief Information Officer)
FISCAL IMPACT
Phase one of the city-wide broadband assessment was included in the FY2022 budget for $100,000 utilizing general funds. Through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Cell Site Capital was selected to complete this assessment at a total cost of $127,590. As broadband is a specifically identified category eligible for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this project expense has been funded under that funding source. As part of phase two, costs will be identified pending additional research on next steps.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
Through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the city selected Cell Site Capital, LLC in September 2021, to conduct the city’s broadband assessment.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Cell Site Capital was tasked with assessing every address in the city of Goodyear and to provide a report summary and detailed results showing, by address: if broadband is available or not, if they have broadband what speeds are available, and if multiple broadband providers are available, and if so, which ones. As a project deliverable, Cell Site Capital will provide the above-requested information in GIS format for city staff usage. City staff can leverage this data in real time, which is a huge asset to future growth in Goodyear.
Cell Site Capital’s methodology included usage of data from the: Federal Communications Commission, city’s GIS team, proprietary database sources, and the specific broadband provider websites. Based on this research, the city has multiple types of coverage available in existing residential areas. There are five main providers that offer services in these areas, which are; Cox Communications, Lumen (CenturyLink), Phoenix Internet, AireBeam and T-Mobile Home internet. Of these providers, only Cox Communications and Lumen Technologies provide services that are based on cable, fiber or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) with Phoenix Internet, AireBeam and T-Mobile Home Internet providing services that are strictly delivered over fixed wireless.
The findings of the study show that 90% of residential areas have the ability to obtain broadband internet services. However, Goodyear exists as a duopoly with Cox Communications and Lumen Technologies currently controlling the predominance of services provided in the city.
As Goodyear grows and expands its current footprint into areas that are proposed for development there will be a need for coordination between existing and new areas of broadband coverage. Sufficient broadband service is crucial. Residential and commercial customers alike are going to begin making decisions to settle in and develop areas based upon the services that are offered. Gaps in service can become a severe detriment to developments and sustainability of growth.
The completion of the broadband study is phase one. Phase two will be to assess viable options for improving access and service offerings to improve Goodyear’s broadband coverage. This can be accomplished through many avenues, which could include exploring grant opportunities, infrastructure investments, micro trenching, other national city best practices, policy revisions, and possible city code changes.
Cell Site Capital’s methodology included usage of data from the: Federal Communications Commission, city’s GIS team, proprietary database sources, and the specific broadband provider websites. Based on this research, the city has multiple types of coverage available in existing residential areas. There are five main providers that offer services in these areas, which are; Cox Communications, Lumen (CenturyLink), Phoenix Internet, AireBeam and T-Mobile Home internet. Of these providers, only Cox Communications and Lumen Technologies provide services that are based on cable, fiber or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) with Phoenix Internet, AireBeam and T-Mobile Home Internet providing services that are strictly delivered over fixed wireless.
The findings of the study show that 90% of residential areas have the ability to obtain broadband internet services. However, Goodyear exists as a duopoly with Cox Communications and Lumen Technologies currently controlling the predominance of services provided in the city.
As Goodyear grows and expands its current footprint into areas that are proposed for development there will be a need for coordination between existing and new areas of broadband coverage. Sufficient broadband service is crucial. Residential and commercial customers alike are going to begin making decisions to settle in and develop areas based upon the services that are offered. Gaps in service can become a severe detriment to developments and sustainability of growth.
The completion of the broadband study is phase one. Phase two will be to assess viable options for improving access and service offerings to improve Goodyear’s broadband coverage. This can be accomplished through many avenues, which could include exploring grant opportunities, infrastructure investments, micro trenching, other national city best practices, policy revisions, and possible city code changes.