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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
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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