Loveland (CO) votes to start developing municipal broadband network

The Loveland (CO) City Council voted on four measures that will allow the city to begin developing a municipal broadband network. The city will spend $2.5 million from the general power fund to gather more information about the network.  Loveland’s broadband task force recommended the city pursue a community broadband network through a retail — or utility — model or through a public-public partnership model. But nothing precludes the city from potentially pursuing partnership options with private entities. The cost estimate includes $2.2 million to create a build-ready design that the city can use to solicit construction bids and use to develop cost information that could be used to pursue issuing bonds, according to a council memo. The additional $300,000 will be spent on professional services to develop a detailed business plan, evaluate financing options and for education and outreach.