Yuba City has announced a partnership for a citywide fiber-optic network with SiFi Networks at no cost to the city, according to a city news release.
SiFi Networks is an international fiber-optic network developer that funds, builds and operates community-wide networks that enable Internet service providers to deliver fast Internet, video and phone. Yuba City is the eighth city in California to sign up for SiFi Networks’ FiberCity initiative.
“We are excited to offer a fiber-optic network solution to our community via SiFi Networks,” Yuba City Mayor Marc Boomgaarden said in the city news release. “This is an important step for the future growth and prosperity for our residents and businesses. Through this partnership, we ensure that Yuba City is leading on the technological forefront and providing the necessary infrastructure for our citizens and economy to thrive well into the future.”
SiFi contacted City Manager Dave Vaughn in February expressing interest in investing $70 million to $80 million in Yuba City to build and operate a citywide, gigabit-speed open-access fiber network to every residence and business, without the use of any municipal taxpayer subsidy toward its construction, Vaughn said. Earlier this month, the city council voted to adopt a resolution entering into a right-of-way and use agreement with SiFi Networks.
SiFi will be installing the fiber in city streets. Vaughn said the next phase of the project is SiFi surveying the city to determine the location of existing utilities within roadways. The survey activities should not impact traffic significantly.
He said SiFi will privately fund, build and operate the system. SiFi is also required to pay the city up to $100,000 per year to cover staff’s time to process SiFi encroachment permit applications. SiFi has up to two years to commence construction and then up to three years to complete construction. Construction will begin after surveying and design are completed and permits are obtained.
The fiber network will run through every street in the city so all residents, businesses and facilities have access. It will allow multiple Internet providers to access the network with the goal to enhance access and stimulate competition to create better market choices, prices and customer service, according to the release.
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