4.6 SR 01-02-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tekstar Communications, Inc. d/b/a Arvig Project Description B1. Description & Proposed Broadband Improvements Tekstar/Arvig is proposing to invest in an all fiber-optic physical broadband network that will provide last mile fiber all the way to the home offering faster more reliable service than is available today and looking to partner with Sherburne County on a proposed broadband infrastructure project for the qualifying surrounding rural areas of Elk River, MN. Overview maps identifying the locations for the buildout proposed have been included and can be referenced in Section BS — Mapping. The proposed areas have been identified as in need of broadband services to enable residents and businesses to participate in distance learning, remote employment connections, and telehealth services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to broadband Internet, telephone services could also be provided to these premises utilizing the same network. Tekstar/Arvig proposes to implement an aggregated XGS-PON full fiber buried solution aggregated over a passive optical network and XGS-PON electronics located in remote cabinets at provider nodes. This technology supports the delivery of Gigabit and 10 Gigabit services via the Calix GigaFamily of outdoor terminals and residential gateways at customer and business locations. Broadband facilities proposed for placement include 100% buried fiber optic cables for the Elk River, MN area. This broadband infrastructure project will upgrade approximately 42 structures within the proposed area and Tekstar/Arvig shall improve broadband service levels, making available up to 1Gbps speeds, exceeding the State of Minnesota's 2022 and 2026 broadband goals in a Fiber -to -the -Home (FTTH) solution. Households and businesses passed will be able to utilize the fiber access technology for essential remote services and connectivity currently in demand for an estimated 27 unserved and 15 underserved structures and approximately 6.77 route miles. Consumers will not only be able to work from home but will be more effective and efficient with high-speed broadband connections and broadband access will enable inhabitants in the immediate area to utilize new technology and tools to grow their businesses as well as their community. The anticipated benefits to the community and surrounding area includes improvement of quality of living and the ability for rural areas to thrive in our ever -changing technological world. Today's culture demands significant increases in bandwidth to support remote service connectivity and the need for such services has become a critical necessity for daily living. All proposed improvements meet the service requirements and objectives of the request for Proposal and will conform to engineering standard best practices, applicable federal, state and local regulatory requirements, and the Telecommunications Act as amended. Installed infrastructure shall provide the speeds committed to in the RFP Response and application. B2. Project Need The need for this project is directly related to the lack of sufficient broadband availability within the proposed project area and the social economic value of high-speed internet services. This project would connect households and businesses aligning the proposed areas together with current digital necessities and remote requirements improving high-speed connections and opportunities for 42 locations including 15 underserved and 27 unserved. Delivering such proposed broadband speeds and availability is in direct alignment with the American Recovery Plan Act and would also result in direct stimulation for the local economy, create jobs, and provide greater access to remote work, remote education, remote training, telehealth, healthcare information, increased communications for public safety, a host of on-line services, and general welfare of the population. If the proposed project area is not selected to move forward with awarded County grant funds it is likely that services to the proposed areas would remain unserved and underserved until a provider is able to step forward financially supporting such an initiative without grant assistance. Insufficient broadband facilities and lower -level access electronics is not in the best interests of the public and remaining unserved and underserved would not be of benefit for area households struggling for appropriate levels of broadband communications today. Without funding, lack of high-speed internet would continue to negatively impact the inhabitants of the area and necessary connectivity would remain sparse and focused to more urbanized locales. Those requesting high-speed broadband for the first time could be denied service due to limited capacity in existing facilities.