City of Tempe takes major step towards Google Fiber expansion

During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around extending operational hours for local establishments and advancing broadband infrastructure through a new fiber license agreement.

Council Member Kuehne raised concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of extending hours for certain venues, suggesting that stipulations could be added to mitigate these effects. The city attorney confirmed that such stipulations could be legally included in the approval. Following this, the council unanimously voted to approve the extension with conditions that require venues to serve patrons aged 21 and over at all times and prohibit reentry after leaving.

In another key agenda item, the council discussed a resolution to adopt a template fiber license and right-of-way use agreement aimed at facilitating the installation of fiber optic infrastructure by qualified internet service providers. Council Member Kietig highlighted the long-standing efforts to bring Google Fiber to Tempe, recalling initial discussions dating back to 2016. He expressed optimism about the project, noting that it represents a significant advancement for the city’s broadband capabilities.

Council Member Hodge echoed Kietig's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this initiative not only for residents but also for local school districts. The council members praised the collaborative efforts that have led to this milestone, with Vice Mayor Adams commending the progress being made in the city.

The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the future of Tempe's broadband network, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing connectivity for its residents.