Like in most cities across Utah, fiber internet has been a hot topic in American Fork City. That is why I am pleased to announce that American Fork City is partnering with Strata Networks to bring our residents and businesses a citywide open-access fiber network that is reliable, fast, and affordable.

Public Interest

Over the last four years, American Fork City has received many requests from residents to look into a way to provide residents with better internet options. So we decided to undertake one of the most robust public feedback efforts done by a city in Utah regarding fiber. Over three years we surveyed our residents in three different ways to gauge public interest. In 2019 we hired a firm called Design Nine who conducted an open ended 20-question survey and received 870 responses. In 2020 and 2021 we conducted our own community survey and received about 1,500 responses each.

Finally, in 2021 we hired MDI Research to conduct a survey that would be a statistically valid representation of American Fork residents. We made sure they had a sufficient sample size, and they were surveying people in every part of the city to guarantee proper representation. MDI received 615 responses, which more than met the minimum sample size criteria (ideal sample size is 380, confidence level 95%, margin of error 5%). In fact, all our surveys surpassed the minimum sample size.

In every survey we delivered over three years, the resounding feedback, every time, was that our residents were interested in a citywide fiber network. In the most recent and statistically significant survey by MDI, it was determined that 90% of respondents said they would be interested in the city developing a fiber internet infrastructure. Upon reviewing all surveys the message was clear: our residents want American Fork City to develop a fiber internet infrastructure to give them more options.

With the support of our resident’s American Fork City undertook at competitive process to select a business partner who was expert in the field of fiber infrastructure. In the end, American Fork City selected Strata Networks.

Who is Strata Networks?

Strata Networks is the largest independent telecommunications cooperative in Utah. They have been around since 1951 and have been able to continually pivot in the high-paced and ever-changing world of technology to stay viable and profitable. They have been providing fiber optic networks for over 30 years. Providing municipal fiber is not new for them. They have already begun this exact same service for city’s like Lehi and Providence. Unlike other cities that have partnered with a government fiber entity, with Strata Networks American Fork will utilize a public-private partnership that leverages the strengths and acumen of a successful private sector fiber company.

The System

American Fork will work with Strata Networks to deploy a citywide open-access fiber network. American Fork will own the infrastructure, Strata will install and maintain it and internet service providers will provide the internet to our residents. Unlike many other cities putting in fiber, this network will be owned by our residents. They will enjoy the benefits of its success.

The system will follow a subscription model where only those who decide to use the service will pay for it. While the fiber lines will be citywide, only those who choose to subscribe to an ISP on the network are required to pay the service fees. While all ISPs will be invited to participate on the network, those that choose not to participate will still be allowed to provide services to residents on their own. This means residents can opt to use a different ISP than those on the city fiber network system.

Speeds, cost and reliability

Thanks to this citywide network that will be coming, all residents can enjoy multiple internet options competing in a true market for their business. This competitive market will help improve pricing on a network that is already fast and reliable.

We expect residents and businesses to enjoy symmetrical speeds from 250 mbps to 10 gig. While pricing is not yet set, we expect it to be competitive with what’s available right now. Speeds for 250 mbps could start between $60-$70/month and speeds of 10 gig could be around $200.

Residents who wish to stay with their current internet service are welcome to do so, but they may be missing out on some of the fastest, most reliable and affordable internet service ever.

Next Steps

The time to start this project is now. Even if we waited another year to begin, with inflation and supply chain issues, the cost to provide the exact same service could be millions more! Ideally, construction would begin in the summer of 2023 and finish fall of 2025.

But residents and businesses will not have to wait until 2025 before they can enjoy fiber internet. Neighborhoods will be able to enjoy fiber as soon as it’s installed. That’s why it’s important that residents pre-register for services, to help the city determine the optimal places to first deploy the system. Neighborhoods that have the largest pre-registration will be the first to get services. Details on how to preregister will be forthcoming.

To learn more about American Fork City’s fiber system and Strata Networks, visit http://americanfork.gov/fiber.

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