Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fiber provider (WOW) pitches fiber-to-the-premises expansion for Oak Ridge
Summary
Representatives from WOW introduced a planned expansion of fiber-to-the-premises to Oak Ridge, described construction approaches (use of existing poles and selective underground), estimated common market pricing (example: 1 Gbps for about $50/month in other markets) and outlined potential franchise and attachment agreements the city would need to review.
Representatives of a fiber provider (WOW) briefed council on a potential network expansion to Oak Ridge, describing technology, approach and commercial terms to date.
A company representative (speaker 13) said WOW conducts aerial work using existing utility poles where possible and will perform underground construction when necessary. The company said it focuses on pure fiber-to-the-premises (no traditional cable service) and cited economic-development and educational benefits of improved broadband access.
Nate Shuler (speaker 14), identified in the session as WOW's VP of network expansion, said the company's most popular 1 Gbps residential plan in other markets was priced at $50 per month and stated the provider has built full-fiber networks in other regional markets. The presenters explained that if the city wishes to pursue the proposal, the next steps would likely include a franchise or right-of-way agreement and an attachment agreement with the electric utility to use poles and define terms for construction, repairs and attachment fees.
Council members asked practical questions about whether the service would become part of city utilities (answer: no; the provider would operate and bill customers directly), affordability for residents, coverage expectations across residential areas and how legacy carriers such as AT&T and Comcast fit into the landscape. The company said it intends to build to most residential areas and previously fields customer interest during initial outreach.
Next steps: staff will gather council feedback, investigate franchise and pole-attachment terms, and report back if council wishes to proceed with formal negotiations or request a draft franchise agreement.
