Utopia Fiber director Roger Timmerman details rapid growth and infrastructure development in Orem

Orem City Council members received an insightful update on the Utopia Fiber network during their meeting on May 27, 2025, highlighting significant advancements and community benefits. Roger Timmerman, the executive director of Utopia Fiber, presented a comprehensive overview of the network's growth and its impact on local residents.

Since its inception in 2002, Utopia Fiber has evolved into the largest open-access fiber network in the United States, providing competitive internet services to multiple cities, including Orem. Timmerman emphasized that the network allows for a diverse range of internet providers to compete, enhancing service options for consumers. Currently, Utopia Fiber boasts a subscriber base nearing 75,000, with Orem being one of the largest contributors.

The presentation detailed the network's impressive capabilities, including offering speeds of up to 10 gigabits for residential customers and 400 gigabits for businesses. Timmerman noted that Utopia Fiber's infrastructure supports not only internet services but also public benefits such as air quality sensors and wildfire detection cameras, showcasing the network's commitment to community welfare.

Financially, Utopia Fiber has shown resilience, with all projects since 2009 covering their operational costs. Timmerman reassured council members that while the city has historically contributed to bond debts, recent years have seen Orem increasingly able to contribute back towards these costs.

The meeting also addressed the network's future, with plans to continue expanding services and improving technology to meet growing demands, particularly in areas like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Timmerman concluded by highlighting the network's high customer satisfaction ratings, which stand at a net promoter score of 63, significantly higher than many competitors.

As Orem continues to embrace advancements in connectivity, the council's support for Utopia Fiber remains crucial in ensuring that residents benefit from reliable and high-speed internet services, positioning the city as a leader in technological infrastructure.