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1. How much will this cost the City of Beaumont?

The City is not required to pay anything for the construction and ongoing operation of the network.

As part of the Request for Proposals, the City was looking for a proponent we could collaborate in bringing new technologies to Beaumont to better deliver services to the community.

2. What are the risks to the City of Beaumont and taxpayers?

The City of Beaumont isn’t taking on any financial risk.

3. Will Council have final say on the proposal?

When we first began exploring the potential to host a 10-Gigabit network, options being considered included the City of Beaumont owning and operating it after a set period. Since the current proposal now includes the proponent financing, building, owning, operating and maintaining the network, Council approval is not necessary.

4. Why is a company willing to make a major investment into improved access to high-speed internet for Beaumont? How will it recover its investment?

The proponent is committing significant financial resources to support similar projects in the province and is looking for willing partners. Beaumont’s size, its location and the City’s willingness to embrace innovative ideas make it an ideal location for one of the first projects in Canada.

Like any business, the proponent does expect to make a return on its investment. Once the network is built, it will receive revenue from fees charged to internet service providers.

5. Who will own and operate the network?

The network will be owned, operated and maintained by the proponent.

6. Why are details of the network being discussed in private?

The Request for Proposals was a fully open and competitive process, with details of the RFP being posted publicly on the Alberta Purchasing Connection. Some of the technical details currently being discussed are protected by third-party proprietary information requirements in privacy legislation, however, we will continue to provide information as we’re able to.