The first of many potential fiber options were presented to the Broadband Task Force last week.

CTC Technology and Energy — a consultant hired to conduct a fiber feasibility study of a potential fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network — met with the Task Force via conference call Nov. 16 at the Community Center to present the first potential options for fiber in Spring Hill. A feasibility study seeks to accomplish two goals: Is the idea possible, and should you move forward with it?

At the meeting, CTC presented two options of more to come to the Task Force.

The first buildout type, a dark FTTP model, includes a dark (unused) fiber network built by the City, which would lie dormant. “The dark fiber infrastructure is leased from the City. The lessee provides equipment to light the network with drops possibly being the responsibility of the lessee,” CTC said in their presentation.

The other model presented, a lit model, would allow the City to build, own and maintain all the equipment to light the fiber, essentially a City utility.

In other business, the group requested an extension of the Task Force to continue through March 2018.

The Broadband Task Force is set to meet for a special meeting to discuss more Internet options and financial analysis 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Community Center, 613 S. Race St. The regular meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 26 is canceled in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

To view the full presentation, click here.