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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101-Staff Report.pdfPage 1 of 2 SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 17, 2010 AGENDA ITEM: DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office CITY MANAGER: Dave Anderson PREPARED BY: Crystal Morrow DIRECTOR: Barbara Powell Administrative Analyst II Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Google Fiber for Communities Request for Information RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. BACKGROUND: On February 10, 2010, Google released a RFI to identify communities interested in participating in Google Fiber for Communities. Through this program Google will build and then test ultra- high speed broadband networks in several trial locations throughout the United States. This will in turn provide Google with information about developing and deploying ultra-high speed broadband networks elsewhere. Google’s ultra-high speed broadband network will be 100 times faster than the Internet connection used by most Americans and will provide residential connections of 1 gigabit per second. Google has named several factors that will influence selection of Google Fiber for Communities locations. Fist, Google has said locations that allow for quick and efficient deployment of its fiber optic network are preferred. Second, Google has indicated that priority will be given to communities that will see significant benefits as a result of the Google fiber optic network. To estimate speed and efficiency of deployment within a given community, Google will consider: - Terrain - Climate - Local regulation - Community support for the project - City resources that can assist in deployment - Accepted construction methods for residential fiber optic networks - Local regulatory issues Community support for the project appears to be of particular importance in the selection of locations. Google’s RFI questions suggest that responding municipalities should reach out to their communities and gauge interest through surveys, public hearings, or meetings with Page 2 of 2 community groups. Should Council direct staff to respond to Google’s RFI, staff can reach out to partners and residents in the community who may be interested in working with the City on its response. Although Google has not yet decided on the size of the trial locations, it has indicated that it anticipates providing service to a minimum of 50,000 people and a maximum of 500,000 in selected locations. The cost of service for fiber optic network customers has not been determined, but Google says it will offer competitive prices. The deadline to respond to the Google Fiber for Communities RFI is March 26, 2010. Requested Direction: Due to the nature of Google’s RFI, submitting a response will require a significant amount of staff time. Consequently, Council direction on whether or not to proceed with the proposal is requested. FISCAL IMPACTS: There are no direct financial impacts to the City of Saratoga for submitting a response to the Google RFI. However, staff time will be necessary to prepare the response. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: A response to Google Fiber for Communities RFI will not be prepared or submitted by the City. ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S): N/A FOLLOW UP ACTION(S): Implement Council direction. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT: Nothing additional. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A: Google Fiber for Communities Request for Information