Internet providers say they have a cheaper and faster way to bring affordable high-speed internet to people’s homes, but city of Phoenix leaders are concerned the installation will do too much damage to streets.
Companies are seeking permission from the city to install fiber optic cables to bring high-speed internet to residents through a process called microtrenching. The city will have to study the fairly new process and weigh it against impacts to the city’s streets.
“Obviously, we want everyone to have affordable access to the internet, but equally important is that we have good maintenance of our roads,” said Vice Mayor Debra Stark, chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee during a meeting last week.
