Taskforce considering fiber internet for Caribou
CARIBOU, Maine — The Caribou Broadband Coalition, formed this summer, is a group of business owners, city officials, and local residents aiming to boost the city’s internet connectivity.
While the project is still in its conceptual phase, the coalition is moving increasingly closer to their goal of bringing internet speeds of at least 100 megabits per second to the area and will be presenting their next phase to City Council on Oct. 24.
Caribou City Manager Austin Bleess, a member of the coalition, said the group is currently finalizing a recommendation for city council to hire a company that will assist in the business planning aspect. Before the meeting, the coalition will work to narrow down the right price and company for the job.
According to Bleess, the consultant will help the coalition in numerous ways. They will provide financial modeling in the form of a profit and loss balance sheet, giving decision-makers a detailed projection of revenue and expenses related to equipment.
“They will also help us develop a governance and ownership strategy,” Bleess said, “such as if it makes sense for the city to own and operate internet service or if it makes more sense to partner with a pre-existing ISP (internet service provider). There are a few different options that they will help us look at and we’ll be able to look at the numbers and determine which ones make the most sense.”
Additionally, the Broadband Coalition will have the business planners help the city obtain bonds, grants, or general loans for the project and help in the selection of fiber connectors and infrastructure renovations.
As for the possibility of Caribou obtaining a fiber-based internet connection, Bleess says it is “absolutely a consideration.”
“The goal is to hit 100 (megabits per second for uploading and downloading),” said Bleess. “On a wide scale, future-proofing with fiber is the way to go. Technology only increases and, as more people get connected, you need more bandwidth for everyone.”
If City Council allows the coalition to utilize a strategic business planner, Bleess says the group could have a comprehensive strategy outlined by mid-April of next year.
