The City of Pella is moving forward with its plans to build a fiber-to-the-home network within the
corporate limits. The Pella City Council awarded a $7.4 million contract for construction of the fiber optic network to Excel Utility Contractors. The network will be placed underground and in the public right of way. Construction of the network is projected to start in May of this year and be completed by the end of 2020. In 2018, the citizens approved the formation of a telecommunication utility with 92% support level. The new telecommunications utility will utilize the fiber optic network to provide high speed internet access, cable television, and voice services. The utility plans to begin serving customers in the spring of 2021. In addition, the City’s electric utility will utilize the fiber optic network to provide Smart Grid technology in the future, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Council also awarded a $2.5 million contract to Edge Commercial for construction of a new 16,500 square foot facility that will be shared between our telecommunication and electric utilities. This facility will be located south of the current electric facility on Truman Road.