Mayor Lee P. Brown and the Houston City Council today approved a license agreement with CityNet Telecommunications Inc., giving CityNet permission to deploy its high-tech robot, SAM (Sewer Access Module), to navigate the city's sewers to install high-speed fiber-optic networks.
CityNet has plans to connect hundreds of multi-tenant buildings to Houston's larger metro "beltway" networks, giving telecom carriers, Internet and other broadband network service providers the ability to offer fiber-optic connectivity to end-user businesses and consumers needing high-speed voice, data, and Internet communications.
According to CityNet representatives, its non-invasive installation technology significantly reduces the need for the massive trenching--and resulting damage--of Houston's streets. Traditional trenching to lay fiber-optic cable also creates major traffic disruptions and often destroys other valuable urban infrastructure.
"Houston is investing millions in rebuilding and enhancing our transportation system and the city's infrastructure," explains Mayor Lee P. Brown. "We want to insure that as our infrastructure is repaired, we have initiatives in place designed to protect our investments. CityNet addresses the city's desire to protect our streets, minimize inconveniences
to our residents, and create a high-speed communications network to meet current and future demand."
CityNet has plans to build seven rings over the next few years in Houston, connecting hundreds of end-user buildings, and giving telecommunications carriers and broadband service providers instant access to thousands of paying customers. Each ring will require approval by the Director of the city of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department.
CityNet will pay a franchise fee of 2.5% of their gross revenue. An infrastructure fee will also be charged.
Houston becomes part of about a dozen U.S. and European cities that have signed agreements with CityNet, including the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. For more information, visit CityNet's Web site at www.citynettelecom.com.