City residents, businesses, and services rely on fast, accessible, and dependable internet for daily operations and public safety. Yet many municipalities lack reliable digital infrastructure, and those with connectivity often depend on costly leased lines from commercial providers. As a result, cities are moving toward city-owned fiber optic networks to deliver more bandwidth and better connectivity for residents, community centers, and public services.
Recognizing the need to upgrade its radio communication network, Scottsdale Water saw an opportunity to launch a new fiber optic network project that would serve the entire community. The goal: provide reliable and secure digital infrastructure that supports current and future needs, advances economic development, and promotes digital inclusion, laying the groundwork for truly connected communities.
Instead of implementing a water-specific communications network, Scottsdale Water partnered with the Transportation and Information Technology departments, forming a steering committee to launch a citywide fiber optic network project. This approach leverages economies of scale, addresses rising bandwidth demands across municipal sites, and supports citizen and employee needs.
What is digital infrastructure planning?
Digital infrastructure planning involves evaluating current and future connectivity needs and translating those into clear technical and operational standards. This process includes assessing current assets, identifying issues, forecasting demand, and setting priorities for upgrades or new installations.
The fiber optic master plan provided a roadmap for implementation projects, enabling data connectivity for Scottsdale’s remote sites to support citizen and employee needs. This approach identified, prioritized, and quantified technology investments, supported future budget planning, and established a collaborative framework among departments. A fiber optic governance committee will guide business decisions and establish rules for network maintenance to uphold high standards and optimal operations.
How connectivity investments create community value
Broadband access
City-owned fiber networks increase broadband availability for residents and businesses, supporting digital inclusion. By providing everyone with access to high-speed internet, Scottsdale is taking steps toward eliminating the digital divide, a cornerstone of the smart communities’ perspective.
The City of Scottsdale is leading the industry with the implementation of a city-wide fiber optic network, which leverages economies of scale and synergies across departments. This visionary effort will ensure sound and efficient services to the community for years to come.
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