Another casualty of inflation has fallen; this time it was city-wide high-speed internet. 

In the summer of 2023, Herriman made tentative plans to install a fiber-optic broadband network, an endeavor two years in the making. But by November of that year, increased costs and interest rates derailed plans, and it was back to the drawing board. The network was to be implemented through a partnership between private enterprises and the city.

“The city council still feels that quality, high-speed internet access is vital to serve the community’s needs in our modern area, but the city is no longer pursuing a publicly-owned network (utility-type model) that encompasses all properties in city boundaries,” Herriman wrote on its website. 

Fiber-optic internet is pricier than other options, and because its cables are made of glass, they are more fragile than the copper wires used in cable internet. An essential aspect of fiber-optic networks, conduit tubing is used to protect and encase fibers to prevent damage. 

It is generally recognized that the significantly faster speeds, increased reliability and better consistency of fiber-optic internet outweigh drawbacks. The city continues to explore alternatives. 

In February of last year, the city again began accepting proposals for an agreement allowing it to use fiber-optic lines to connect existing city infrastructure and for ways to make fiber-optic internet accessible for all. The city council reviewed proposals, and last fall, the city invited All West Communications to the negotiation table.  

“In August, the city published the Invitation to Negotiate. All West and four other companies submitted proposals. The city chose to negotiate with All West,” Herriman Communications Manager Jon LaFollette said.

During the ensuing months, the city drafted an agreement for a fiber and conduit lease, which would enable Herriman to use All West’s network infrastructure while All West would use the city’s existing fiber-optic conduit. 

“Some highlights of their proposal were that they would continue building their existing network in our city, allowing Herriman City to use the network to connect infrastructure and facilities for more efficient public services, and they would be allowed to use public utility easements on private property (which are not currently allowed for telecommunications) to install their network,” LaFollette said. 

Herriman would use All West’s underground network to maintain streetlights, stoplights, water infrastructure and stormwater gates. And rather than staying within public right-of-way zones, All West would enjoy access to public utility easement areas in Herriman for the installation of fiber-optic lines as it maintains the private development of its fiber-optic network in the city.

In January, the city council was optimistic about the proposal but has not yet approved it. Expected to be finalized by the end of spring, the agreement would not affect third-party service providers wishing to build separate networks in Herriman. 

“Some private companies offer fiber-optic internet service to certain areas in Herriman,” according to the city’s website. “Approval is given by Herriman City through franchise agreements for qualified internet service providers.”

The city commonly approves the installation of conduit tubing and cables in public right-of-way areas, including sidewalks, curbs, gutters, roadways and park strips.λ