Of the 88,000 poles we need to attach Google Fiber to throughout Nashville, over 44,000 will require make ready work. But so far, only 33 poles have been made ready.
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| Statistics for “make ready” for Google Fiber in Nashville |
We are all seeing the consequences of this old policy: significant delays getting the
super-fast Internet you want, from the provider you want. This isn’t just about Google Fiber, but a major hindrance to future innovation
for anyone looking to build a new network.
We want to go faster and we know you do, too. The One Touch Make Ready (OTMR) ordinance now being debated by Nashville Metro Council will reduce delay and disruption by allowing the necessary work to be done much more efficiently — in as little as a single visit. This means fewer crews coming through neighborhoods and disrupting traffic, making it safer for workers and residents. The work would be done by a crew the pole owner has approved, instead of multiple crews from different companies working on the same pole over several months.
Once we are on the poles, we will be subject to the same rules as anyone else. That this policy provides an equal playing field for innovation is why
experts, groups representing
communities, and other
fiber builders support OTMR, too. However, some existing providers disagree, and would prefer to keep the current system.
There’s a critical vote scheduled at the Nashville Metro Council on Tuesday, September 6. Since OTMR was first put forward by Council Member Anthony Davis, we’ve worked closely with the Mayor’s office, Council and others to include amendments that we believe make OTMR ready to be enacted. Our sincere thanks to all these folks for their vision, hard work and focus on this ordinance.
If you live in Nashville and you want more choice for super-fast Internet, please
reach out to your local Council Member and tell them you support One Touch Make Ready. And attend next Tuesday’s crucial vote at the Metro Courthouse, starting at 6:30 p.m. CDT (arrive early to get a seat!)
We can't wait to bring super-fast Internet to more people in Nashville, faster, and look forward to the outcome of September 6.
Posted by Chris Levendos, Director of National Deployment and Operations, Google Fiber
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author.name: Chris Levendos
author.title: National Deployment and Operations Director
category: policy_innovation
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