The question we receive the most is, “What is going on with UTOPIA these days?” Well, we have exciting news; UTOPIA is building. People seem to think we’re not building out our network, but we have been expanding for quite some time. Since January of 2015 we have made an additional 5,000 homes available for service. By the summer of 2017 that number will jump to over 15,000.

We are most definitely alive, well and growing. Our goal still remains to build out all of our member cities; however, it does take time. Building a mass infrastructure doesn’t happen over night.

Another question we receive frequently is, “How do we determine where we build?” We base our builds out on demand and cost. If you feel like you have a high enough demand and an area you would like us to look at within our member cities, let us know. If we get enough demand, we will build there; however, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding to complete an infrastructure in certain areas.

First and foremost, we have to install the backbone of our network. The cost requirements of implementing new fiber optic lines are expensive and takes a bit of time. We have to install all of our equipment into the streets before we even think about running a fiber line into a home. In some places our equipment is already installed, so running our fiber lines would take less time and money. Some places cost more to build due to the ground that some structures are built on. For example, around the benches the ground is a lot rockier and has more of a solid substance than around the valley where it’s mostly dirt. Digging through rock obviously costs more because it takes more time, energy and equipment.

Every mile of our network has to be planned, we can’t just dig anywhere anytime we want. We work alongside city leaders to review infrastructure including roads, underground and overhead utility paths, permits and more. Our engineers and maps departments work extremely hard to figure out where we can build based on existing utility poles and water, gas and electricity lines. This is a joint effort. Not only do we have to be prepared, but our member cities have to be ready to design and build a brand new network that can support thousands of miles of fiber optic cables.

UTOPIA is structured to integrate new technology as it is developed in the future, minimizing the risk of obsolescence and allowing for increased capabilities. UTOPIA also makes new technologies more feasible through high-speed connections. UTOPIA is here to stay. If you have questions contact us at communications@utopianet.org