Superior seeks feedback on internet service

The city of Superior is seeking public input on internet service in the city.

Results would help chart a course for leaders as they consider creating a municipal fiber optic network, something the pandemic has heightened the need for. At least 800 surveys responses are required to gauge the demand for such a city-owned and operated network. To date, only 361 residents have completed a survey.

Superior Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Tylor Elm are leading the effort to establish a fiber optic network as city infrastructure, Connect Superior. It is expected to lower the cost of internet access by 30% for residents and businesses, increase the speed and reliability of that access and increase competition, giving residents multiple options for internet service providers.

Elm proposed the initiative to the City Council in August 2019, arguing that access to high-speed, reliable internet is critical in the digital age. He argued that fiber optic network infrastructure is as essential for the city as water, sewer and electricity.

Two months later, the City Council approved $18,000 for the planning phase of the municipal fiber optic program.

The broadband survey asks seven questions, including how much respondents are paying for internet service, what their connection speed is and how they rate their current provider. It also includes questions about what aspects of internet service are most important to respondents. The survey takes about three minutes to complete.

Visit www.connectsuperior.com to learn more and take the survey.

• RELATED: Feedback sought on Superior fiber optic project ConnectSuperior website launched Feb. 25.
  
• RELATED: Superior committee approves funding for broadband plan Plan would provide road map for building a city utility to prepare for future of communications, lower cost of internet
  
• RELATED: Superior Council to consider Tuesday whether fiber optic internet is 'critical infrastructure' Councilor hopes to make fiber optic internet as important to infrastructure as electricity, water and sewer