Portland commissioners support developing new broadband strategy

A few years after learning that a city-owned fiber network serving Portland households could cost an eye-popping $500 million, the Portland City Council is poised to etch a new path for broadband. What that will be, city leaders aren't sure.

City Commissioners say they'll approve a resolution to jumpstart a Broadband Strategic Plan that probably will pinpoint specific goals, outline expenses and suggest ways to pay for high-speed infrastructure. The plan, to be prepared by city's Office of Cable Communications and Franchise Management, will be due by June 30, 2011. Mary Beth Henry, deputy director for the office, said the plan likely will contain a collection of policy and initiatives aimed at affordable high-speed Internet access and job creation. It also could make recommendations on leveraging existing city resources or potential public-private partnerships.