The City of West Des Moines announced today it has launched a website for residents and businesses to opt-in for the opportunity to link to the City’s conduit network, which will provide them access to high-speed internet. The “open-access” network will make it easier for existing internet providers to expand and new providers, like Google Fiber, to enter the West Des Moines market, fostering fair competition and providing residents with higher quality service at lower costs.

“Especially in recent months, access to reliable, high-speed internet has become a necessity for all residents and businesses in West Des Moines,” said Mayor Steve Gaer. “From online learning and work to entertainment and shopping, the need for competitive and dependable high-speed internet has become a top priority in our City. We are excited to have the community come together and, along with internet providers, commit to making this change for our future.”

City leaders are encouraging the community to sign up now while there is no charge. By allowing the City to connect property owners for free to the conduit network, it gives residents and businesses the opportunity to purchase high-speed internet services from Google Fiber—the first licensee to join the conduit—or other providers who will eventually license space in the network.

The only cost to residents and businesses would be their internet provider’s monthly bill or connection charges. Residents will have the ability to choose an internet service provider that meets their needs and budget or remain with their current provider.

Once residents and businesses have signed up for the conduit network, the City and partnering contractors will contact property owners to discuss additional details before the install. The contractors will use minimally invasive technology known as “micro-trenching” to install a small pipe from the back of your curb to your home.

The City has a build schedule to install the network by zones in the most efficient manner with minimal disruption. Construction will begin this fall and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

For more information, or to sign up for free access to the network, visit WiredWDM.org.