• Herriman residents often express a desire for more and better internet options that serve the entire city.
  
• So far, private Internet Service Provider companies (ISPs) have not chosen to install fiber-optic connections in many areas of Herriman. Some areas have two or fewer options for internet access, and typically only the newest subdivisions have fiber-optic infrastructure. This is partly because it is generally more expensive for ISPs to install infrastructure in existing neighborhoods than in new ones as they are being built.
  
• A publicly-owned, citywide network provides an opportunity for 100% residents to have access to high-speed internet while allowing multiple ISPs to compete on the open market for residents’ subscriptions. Such models have been successful in many other cities in the U.S.
  
• The City can require a high level of service for any ISP wishing to use its fiber-optic network.
  
• This style of network and service helps avoid a monopoly for any one company while allowing every home and business to have an opportunity for quality internet access.
  
• ISP companies don’t need to worry about installing and owning the infrastructure themselves. Rather, they may simply buy in to an existing system where they can serve any Herriman home or business.
  
• The City government is interested in the ability to have its own secured network that reaches all its facilities and infrastructure. This would help manage traffic infrastructure, stormwater flow, and water usage, and upgrade connectivity for emergency first responders.
  
• Universal high-speed internet access helps enhance education, telehealth, an efficient and growing economy, and more.
  

No. While the City believes this project would greatly benefit our entire community, residents may choose to opt out of the network entirely and no one will be forced to participate. However, if you change your mind later and want to connect your home to the network, you will need to cover the full cost of connection—likely a few thousand dollars. Residents and businesses will be opted in by default, but anyone may opt out.

While exact prices from private companies are not yet known, projections show that even with the utility fee, prices for high-speed internet access will meet or even beat current market prices.

It is important to note this system would be financially self-supported and no tax money will be used to fund the construction of the network. The network will be financed through a public utility that is not tied to the City's taxpayer funds.

While it is true that a privately owned and operated fiber network (such as Google Fiber) would eliminate up-front costs by a public utility, subscribers to any private company cover both the costs of the company’s own installed network and the costs of providing internet access as part of their monthly subscription fee. A publicly-owned network’s monthly user fees would do the same, but would come with other advantages as well, including ensuring 100% of homes and businesses have access, allowing multiple companies to compete for customers, and improving City services.

The City will not move forward on the project if the users’ monthly fee is not competitive with current market prices. An citywide open-access network, as proposed, allows multiple internet service provider companies to serve end users. This will increase competition and allow residents more choices on which company to purchase internet service from. Current projections show that high-speed internet prices will meet or even beat current market prices. However, the latest estimates show that the total project cost, interest rates, and required subscription rates to make the network viable are significantly higher than earlier projections showed.