The City of Redding is taking another look at the possibility of a city-wide fiber optic broadband network that would be publicly accessible and end the city’s reliance on AT&T and Spectrum. The idea was first floated by former Councilman Adam McElvain as a city owned utility. That developed into plans for a network to begin in the downtown core, while Redding Electric Utility had been exploring the use of broadband technology to link its various facilities around town. The city hired a consultant 5 years ago to develop a plan, but it was shelved due to the $180 Million price tag. Options to be discussed Tuesday night would include a public/private partnership.
-Steve Gibson