A: FiberNET is an open access, multi-provider telecommunications network that has been developed by the City of Palm Coast in response to requests from the business community to use City-owned fiber infrastructure to help spur business and jobs growth. Over the next two years, the plan is to get fiber connections to most businesses in the City. FiberNET will be operated as a digital road system, the City will build and maintain the digital road system, but private businesses will use the digital road to deliver goods and services to customers. The City of Palm Coast will NOT sell services to businesses and residents.

A: The FiberNET project uses a business model that is entirely different from traditional broadband networks. FiberNET, when complete, is projected to have many service providers offering a wide array of services, including voice telephony, Internet access, telemedicine/telehealth services, business videoconferencing services, medical records storage, business security services, business computer backup services, and many other advanced services. This multi-service model, rather than just selling Internet only (what most call "broadband") provides a very robust business model that will cover the cost of construction and the ongoing operational costs without raising taxes. Service providers that use the network to deliver services to business customers will pay fees to the City to cover their fair share of network use.

A: The City has been investing in an extensive fiber network around Palm Coast for government use, and much of the network is already built. Construction will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011 with the first business customers being connected in May, 2010.

A: Fiber is currently available along Palm Coast Parkway, Belle Terre Parkway, in Town Center and along the US-1 corridor. Because fiber is in place in other areas of the City, businesses that are interested in getting connected should contact the City about availability.

A: FiberNET is making heavy use of assets that are already in place, including existing fiber.

A: All services on the network will be sold to businesses by private providers. The City of Palm Coast will NOT sell any services to businesses or residents. Incumbent telephone and Internet providers have all been invited to sell both their existing services and new services on the network, and several local service providers have already indicated that they plan to attach to the network and market their services.

A: Fiber optic network cable will be used to deliver services. Customers will order services directly from private sector providers. The open-access, multi-service design substantially lowers the cost and effort of providing services and helps lower telecommunications costs for local businesses.

A: The standard business connection will be a 100 megabit link, and Gigabit and 10 Gigabit connections will be an option for businesses that require it. The 100 megabit connections will easily handle a combination of services simultaneously, including HD business videoconferencing, multiple telephone lines, Internet access, security services, and other specialized offerings.

A: The "digital roads" business model being used for FiberNET lowers the cost of the network by sharing expenses across all providers and users on the network.