Memphis, TN Mayor Jim Strickland has proposed an ambitious plan to bring fiber optic broadband to the digitally underserved within the city. Commercial Appeal reports that the ordinance under consideration would have the city of Memphis partner with a private telecommunications provider. If accepted, fiber optic cables would deliver connectivity to approximately 6,000 locations. Recipients would include both residential households and businesses.
“Memphis can become one of the most connected cities in America, where every Memphian can participate in our digital society and economic opportunity benefits us all,” stated Strickland. “Expanding our broadband networks will immediately transform communities throughout Memphis and equip the city to make Memphis more efficient for generations to come.”
“This ordinance amendment will make investing in city-wide fiber networks more economically feasible for telecoms companies and will offer residents more provider choices,” agreed City of Memphis Chief Operating Officer Chandell Ryan, who added that the plan will “incentivize investment from existing and new broadband network providers.”
Applications earning the “Smart City Fiber Access System” designation will be able to pay lower fees. Requirements for gaining the designation include installing fiber optic cables to at least 20 percent of the targeted residences and businesses with up to 10 percent of the cabling extending to the low-income properties. The installation must be completed within two years of the construction’s inception date. Goals for future years have also been incorporated with all 6,000 properties completed within a four year window. Participating telecoms who do not meet the terms of the proposed ordinance would lose their “Smart City Fiber Access System” standing.
Despite support from some quarters, Commercial Appeal notes that a group calling itself “A Better Tomorrow for Tennessee” has expressed its opposition to the plan. It asserts that the mayor’s broadband plan for Memphis would be too costly, and takes the city’s focus away from providing jobs and combating crime.
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