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Next Generation Network Plan Page 7 In addition to the obvious cost benefits, the advantage of fiber over existing leased circuits is dramatic: fiber is more reliable, more scaia�le, more adaptable to emerging needs and agplicatiozas, and more future-proo£ � 1.2.2 Build Connectivity Assets Now for Future Projects CTC recommends that the NSCC coordinate with each of its members regarding any future or planned fiber optic or other communications projects. These projects may be leveraged or scoped to include the needs of other NSCC members. Increased fiber optic count or additional facilities may be added to a communications project at an incremental cost. Opportunities for cost-effective installation of fiber and other connectivity assets arise each day as city crews' work in the right-of-way. At a minimum, all the NSCC cities should immediately adopt future-looking policies to add to existing fiber and conduit infrastructure at every opportunity to build up critical mass. Every municipal project has the potential to provide long term cost savings on communications infrastructure. Conduit and fiber are the key for future-proofing the cities' infrastructure. There is a low incremental cost to install fiber or conduit during any capital improvement project or repair. Once installed, fiber and conduitg are available for community use or can be leveraged to entice commercial carriers to offer services in the municipality or to build municipal networks. We therefore recommend speedy adoption of a region-wide policy and detailed specifications for installation of conduit or fiber optics during any relevant capital improvement proj ect or repair, including: + Road construction or repair by departments of public works � Sewer or water line replacement or repair + Electrical work + Sidewalk repair and replacement • Relocation to underground of aerial utilities by public and private utilities - Other open trenching opportunities initiated by private utilities + Any other circumstance under which any municipal department is working in the right-of-way Immediate adoption of a fiber-placement strategy would capture each of these opportunities. � Conduit provides significant savii�gs�---the cost of pulling fiber through existing conduit averages $6,000 to $12,000 per r�vle, as opposed to the cost of new underground fiber construction, which often exceeds $100,000 per mile. all text and diagrams 4 CTC 2007