City likely to create communications utility, install fiber optic cables in South Hillsboro

Posted on by Justin Pot

Hillsboro City Council looks likely to establish a communications utility by February, in part to ensure fiber is ready to go in South Hillsboro before the roads are built. The proposal, recommended by the Finance Committee, will be up for first reading by City Council on January 16 and second reading on February 2. Proposals like this generally only make the City Council agenda when they’re likely to pass.

But don’t expect a municipal broadband provider anytime soon: this policy is more about infrastructure. To quote a recommendation from Rob Dixon, Assistant City Manager:

The ordinance would establish a communications utility, create a communications fund and direct the Planning Commission to initiate a code amendment that would lead to the construction of underground conduits capable of carrying broadband fiber optic cabling to all Hillsboro residents.

What does this mean, practically speaking? Basically whenever a new housing development goes in, or roads are worked on, the city will take the opportunity to install fiber lines, in part so roads don’t need to be dug up later in order to install it. In the case of new housing this will be paid for by developers via fees.

Why is the city working on this issue now? In no small part because of the South Hillsboro project, which will eventually be home to 20,000 new Hillsboro residents. To quote the city’s FAQ about the proposal:

Now, in 2018, the opportunity to “dig once” in neighborhoods such as South Hillsboro and beyond is timely. With the utility in place, we would coordinate the installation of conduit whenever the ground is open, which saves money and prevents the need to dig up roads and sidewalks later.

Again, this is more about putting cable in the ground than the city providing Internet access, but the language used does not rule this possibility out. Again, quoting the city’s website:

The City has not made a commitment to providing internet access to homes in South Hillsboro or elsewhere. The proposed code amendment would support a basic investment in infrastructure that gives the City a service option for the future.

Further Reading