New Broadband Internet Options Close To Approval In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Council took the first step to approving ordinances allowing new broadband internet providers Tuesday.

In November, City Council voted to seek proposals for franchise agreements to construct and provide broadband internet services to city residents. Currently, Comcast is the only broadband internet provider in the city. Four companies responded to the request for proposals, but only two —Lumos and Ting — are continuing to seek a franchise agreement.

At Tuesday's meeting, City Council approved the ordinances granting broadband franchises on first reading. A public hearing and final approval are scheduled for March 12.

With a franchise agreement, the companies would be allowed to use the city’s right-of-way to construct and provide broadband services. Both companies have indicated construction preparation would begin in the spring if the franchise ordinances are approved on March 12.

Vanetta Pledger, director of Information Technology Services for the city, told City Council the goal is providing equitable access to high-speed internet for all income levels. Key parts of the agreements ensure the companies construct a network that will cover the entire community and provide 24/7 customer service.

"We learned that there's a lot of renewed interest on how we have broadband services for our residents, especially in response to COVID," said Pledger. "It really heightened that our students, those who work from home all rely on high speed internet connection in order to access learning and perform their work."

Other provisions in the agreements include providing Wi-Fi service in several parks and community centers, providing services to several nonprofits serving vulnerable populations and city residents, providing services to affordable housing residents, and providing a network to new eligible affordable housing units with subsidized rates for at least five years.

The initial terms of the agreements are 20 years and could seek three consecutive renewal terms of five years each. Up to $1 million in city staffing costs are expected for permitting reviews, community engagement and ensuring the completed network meets city and community standards. The cost would be offset by permitting fees, but costs are also part of the city's American Rescue Plan Act funding plan.