Spring Hill, Kansas, Seeks FTTP Deployment Partner

Spring Hill, Kansas, recently released a Request for Proposal (RFP) as they search for a partner to help them develop gigabit connectivity throughout the community. Deadline for responses is September 30, 2019.

Read the full RFP here.

Gigabit Fiber the Best Bet

The city received the results of a feasibility study in early 2018 and consultants recommended some policy changes to encourage a broadband friendly environment. CTC Energy and Technology also noted that a fixed wireless system was not a cost-effective way to provide ubiquitous connectivity to the community. The firm suggested that Spring Hill consider dark fiber infrastructure and a public-private partnership.

In 2017, Spring Hill also distributed an informal survey to residents and businesses. The results revealed that, even though the community is considered part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, there are pockets where people have no Internet access. Other issues include problem neighborhoods where speeds are slow and businesses have no access to fiber. In these areas, local establishments are paying high rates for unreliable, marginally faster speeds.

Community leaders in Spring Hill consider broadband an essential utility that should connect every premise. As part of their vision, they “intend to empower our residents and local businesses to be network economy producers— not just consumers of network information and data services.”

What Spring Hill Seeks

The partner the city chooses should be prepared for a long term relationship and should be ready to help Spring Hill achieve three goals of the project:

• Balance financial goals - Spring Hill expects any partnership to involve investment from both parties.
• Sustainable, affordable approach - Community leaders want to be sure that, as the city grows, the network can grow with it.
• Community wide deployment - No cherry picking; businesses and residential deployment are equally important.

Read more details about what Spring Hill is looking for in a partner by reviewing the full RFP.

Spring Hill Community

The city has experienced significant growth in recent years due to its proximity to major highways. The town is located just south of Olathe and only about 30 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City, Kansas. With only about 6,600 people in Spring Hill, young families are attracted to the city’s suburban and small-town feel. Local schools service more than 3,000 students.

Important Dates:

Questions Due: September 6

RFP Responses Due: September 30