West Des Moines, Iowa (population 70,000) has long struggled with right-of-way management and many utility companies competing for precious underground real estate. In 2019, the City of West Des Moines embarked on the construction of a city-wide conduit network to make high-speed internet accessible to all homes and businesses and aid in the management of the congested right-of-way. This presentation will explore the feasibility and benefits of constructing a city-wide communication conduit network and sharing West Des Moines’ experience building, maintaining, and leasing the network. Key topics to be discussed include: Infrastructure design and deployment: The technical aspects of designing and building a robust and scalable conduit network, including considerations for future expansion and emerging technologies. Public-private partnerships: Using collaboration between the city and private utility companies to finance, construct, and operate the network. Economic and social benefits: The long-term economic benefits of increased connectivity, job creation, and improved quality of life for residents and businesses. Regulatory framework: The legal and regulatory considerations for establishing and managing the conduit network, including permitting, zoning, and franchise agreements. Lessons learned: Examples of what worked and what did not during deployment and how this project has affected economic development in the area. “After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Conceive of how to build a city-wide conduit network for fiber utilities.
• Work with private utility companies to help make a city-wide conduit network a reality.
• Identify the pitfalls of design and construction of a city-wide conduit network.”
Contributor/Source
Brian Hemesath-City Engineer, Tony Taylor-ITS Project Manager
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