Recognizing the important role that internet connectivity plays in the daily lives of community members, the city of West Hollywood has begun development of a municipal fiber network. Early phases of the city’s fiber network (fiber-optic internet) are now complete.

Now, through the city’s Information Technology Division in a collaborative private-public partnership with Plenary Americas and Digital Ubiquity Capital, the city is exploring expansion of the city’s fiber network for a growth phase of connectivity. The goal is to provide community digital equity with affordable high-speed internet connectivity.

As a next step, the city is getting the word out about a community survey that will engage West Hollywood residents and businesses in providing feedback. The city and its partners are working with Millan Chicago with the aim of better understanding connectivity needs and challenges as they relate to broadband access options and future opportunities.

Residents and business community members are invited to participate in the survey, available in English, Spanish and Russian. The survey is open now and will remain open through Wednesday, Jan. 17. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. As part of the survey, participants will be asked about connection speed using a speed test link. Data collected will be used to explore broadband access options and will not be sold.

Learn more and take part in the survey at go.weho.org/broadband or visit the city of West Hollywood’s Municipal Fiber Network website page with links to the survey at weho.org/services/municipal-fiber-network.

As background, West Hollywood is continuously looking toward the future and is regularly working to explore ways of efficiently incorporating innovative technologies into infrastructure. In 2016, the city adopted the Fiber Network Infrastructure and Service Strategic Plan. The plan outlined the major benefits of having a fast and affordable broadband infrastructure, including improved internet service, equitable access, public safety, economic development, healthcare and Smart City applications, and set forth a plan to develop a series of initiatives that leverage technology and improve quality of life for community members.

For information, contact Eugene Tsipis, the city of West Hollywood’s information technology manager, at (323)848-6399 or at etsipis@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323)848-6496.