Moline to move forward with Metronet as citywide broadband provider

Sep 25, 2023

A MetroNet employee uses a Horizontal Directional Boring machine to install fiber optics cables along Hugo Road on April 30, 2020, in Bettendorf in this file photo. Moline has chosen to move forward with MetroNet as its broadband provider.

Moline is one step closer to finalizing a deal with a citywide broadband provider as residents grow weary of the wait for a new internet service option.

Council members voted to move ahead with Metronet as the citywide broadband provider. The council motioned to direct CTC Consulting to enter into negotiations with Metronet to allow for discussion regarding the city's requirement about aerial installation and the elements of the overall agreement.

Tuesday evening's discussion essentially came down to a policy decision regarding aerial versus burial installation. To allow for aerial installation, the council would need to amend an ordinance.

Fourth Ward Ald. Matt Timion said the highest priority is getting immediate broadband service and that amending the city code could hasten the process. He did note that he is an advocate for burying utilities underground but said this "isn't the project to do that."

"I think everything should be there but varying one utility and not the others doesn't make any sense," Timion said. "We need to start by getting the service set up."

Metronet proposed a majority of the installation to be strung on poles at no cost to the city.

Seventh Ward Ald. Michael Waldron noted that they are at a point in which they need to come to a decision and made a motion early on to not follow the ordinance by various amendments and allow for above-ground installation.

Ald. Mike Wendt, 3rd Ward, said he would not support that motion at the time and rather direct staff to come back with information about what they were trying to accomplish.

Waldron's motion was withdrawn, and the council then voted five to three to direct CTC Consulting to negotiate with Metronet and consider a discussion about the city's ordinance and requirements for aerial installations.

The city has been working since 2019 to ensure all residents and businesses have access to at least one gigabyte fiber service. Metronet was one of five proposals that Moline received.

Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Anticipation is growing among Moline residents and businesses hoping the city finally acts on broadband.

After three years and two rounds of bids, Moline still is without a competing provider of high-speed internet and cable.

Moline City Council approved a motion to send a letter of termination and to enter into negotiations for different terms with the South Moline…

A former JCPenney Department Store donated to Renew Moline could provide more housing in downtown Moline. Located at 1701 5th Avenue, Renew Mo…

The Moline Parks and Recreation Department said a diarrhea incident late Sunday, July 31 forced the pool to be closed Monday, Aug. 1 for the s…

The City of Moline announced Tuesday Aug. 2 that they have hired a new assistant city administrator who served as the city administrator for n…

The Moline City Council voted to get rid of the family requirement for Accessory Dwelling Units and instead imposing a heavy fine if the owner…

Long stored the in basement of city hall, the City of Moline is in the process of advancing a new records management system. The city is wanti…

Moline is looking to tighten the rules and regulations for installation of utility equipment as City Administrator Bob Vitas said the number o…

Moline City Council approved a contract with Metronet to provide citywide high-speed internet and for New Line Skateparks to design the skatep…

Metronet is to begin constructing city-wide broadband in Moline next month, and their contract is being tweaked.

East Moline is the latest city to be declared gigabit-certified by Metronet.