UTOPIA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What is UTOPIA?

UTOPIA is the Utah Telecommunications Open Infrastructure Agency. A group of fourteen cities have formed an Interlocal agency to construct and operate a fiber optic network to each home and business in the member cities. The infrastructure will provide a network to private companies to use in delivering services to residents and businesses.

2. What is the difference between the UTOPIA fiber to the home and fiber to the business network and existing telecommunication networks?

The fiber used in the UTOPIA system is a pure glass conduit through which light-carrying information passes. Light can carry the greatest bandwidth, provide the clearest signals and transfer the most information at the greatest speeds. Fiber is not affected by corrosion or water.

3. Why did the City choose to participate in UTOPIA?

Extensive study and research of UTOPIA was conducted prior to the decision to participate. Public hearings were also held during City Council meetings to receive input from residents regarding participation in the UTOPIA network.

4. What services will be provided by the UTOPIA network?

UTOPIA will not provide any services through the network, but will lease the right to use the network to private companies such as Verasity, Mstar, Nuvont and Xmission. These companies will provide the services to residents. Services will include Internet service, local and long distance telephone services, and local video services. Other services may become available in the future.  Different companies will provide various services.  Visit the UTOPIA website for contact information for each of the service providers.  You may contact the providers to determine which company will best meet your needs. 

 5. How much will these services cost?

Each company will determine their own competitive level of services and rates.

6. Do I have to take service from a UTOPIA company?

No. You can continue to use your current telephone, Internet, cable TV or satellite dish provider, or you may keep your current provider for some of the services and subscribe to other services from a UTOPIA provider. You may also change service from one UTOPIA provider to another without having the connections to your home changed.

7. Do I have to pay for UTOPIA?

No. You only pay for UTOPIA if you receive service from a UTOPIA provider.

8. Will the UTOPIA network become outdated in a few years?

No. The fiber lines have a life expectancy of thirty years. The under ground portion of network fiber is being placed in conduits, which will make it easier and less expensive to replace the fiber when it becomes necessary.

9. What work will be done in my yard and in the roads to build the UTOPIA network?

Conduit is being placed in the public utility easements. Most of these easements are behind the sidewalk. A box, a little larger than a sprinkler system valve box, is placed in every other yard and is installed flush with the ground. In some neighborhoods, connections to the home will be placed on utility poles above ground. Contractors are responsible for restoring your property back to its original condition. If they don’t, please call the Hotline at 1-888-342-3748.

10. Where can I find more information about UTOPIA?

For more information on UTOPIA, go to www.utopianet.org.

11. When will services be available?

The UTOPIA network will be installed in phases, and is scheduled for completion in approximately 2008.