The City of Sugar Land recognizes the importance of providing all residents and businesses within its city limits with a choice of internet service providers and the benefits of increased competition in the market. SiFi is proposing a non-exclusive open-access fiber-optic network available to all residents and businesses in Sugar Land. SiFi will leverage City rights-of-way to install approximately 900 miles of fiber optic infrastructure. 
 
The fiber-optic open access network will allow for multiple service providers to access and offer their services over the same infrastructure, providing residents with a wider range of options. The network also assures that underserved areas in the City have equal access to broadband infrastructure. SiFi is not a franchised utility and is not subject to franchise fees. SiFi has agreed to pay a per connection and quarterly fee for using the right of way as indicated in the development agreement. The project's cost is fully funded upfront through private investment at no cost to the City. The build-out is anticipated to be complete in no more than 48 months. SiFi is expected to work with the City and the community at large to minimize any disruptions resulting from construction-related activities.
 
Additionally, the City will have the option to access the fiber-optic network for its own use as outlined in a separate agreement to be presented at a later date.
 
Staff recommends approval of the proposed development agreement with SiFi for the installation of an open-access fiber optic infrastructure.