Title
Staff Report for a City of San Leandro City Council Resolution to Approve a License Agreement with Common Networks for City Facility Rooftop Access and a Resolution to Approve a License Agreement with Common Networks to Access City Infrastructure to Assist in the Development of a Residential Broadband Service
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Common Networks, a wireless Internet Service Provider ("ISP"), expressed interest in expanding its service coverage to San Leandro. To support this expansion and enable Common Networks to build a residential broadband network utilizing City-owned infrastructure, staff recommends that the City Council approve two separate resolutions: a License Agreement for City Facility Rooftop Access and a License Agreement to Access City Fibers.
BACKGROUND
Common Networks, a technology company based in San Francisco with operations in the City of Alameda, has developed an innovative solution to deliver high-speed Internet service via wireless connections, with a network that relies on rooftops with wide visibility, preferably on buildings connected to fiber, which can be used to create a high-speed broadband network. Recognizing the market potential in San Leandro, Common Networks expressed an interest to utilize City infrastructure to expand its services to San Leandro residents.
Analysis
In September 2018, the City Council unanimously adopted the Fiber Optic Master Plan and Smart City Strategy. As part of this comprehensive report, the City conducted a survey of residents on their broadband usage and views. Over 1,800 residents responded to the broadband survey, with responses coming from all neighborhoods and districts within the City.
The following is an excerpt from the Fiber Optic Master Plan:
"Of those expressing low overall satisfaction, 61% indicated that there were no other (internet) service options in their area and 62% were dissatisfied because the connection was slow or unreliable. These results sugge...
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