For February’s Map of the Month, we take a look at broadband infrastructure along the Point of the Mountain. Following the decision to relocate the Utah State Prison, new coordinated efforts are taking place to create a comprehensive and strategic development plan for the area stretching south from Sandy through Lehi to Saratoga Springs.
The Point of the Mountain area will see tremendous residential and commercial growth in the years to come. Broadband demand will exceed current availability, impacting daily life and impeding the needs of local businesses. The area sits between major universities, likely increasing the demand from students and the young population that will be more likely to use multiple internet connected devices throughout the day.
A growing population also puts greater pressure on public safety. Since reliable networks are essential for first responders and healthcare professionals, upgrades to current systems will also be required. The technological advancements for these public services become more sophisticated each year, and it will be important to have bandwidth available to effectively use the best technology.
In addition, Utah’s Silicon Slopes will also continue to grow, and a booming tech sector cannot exist without reliable and redundant broadband infrastructure. Traditionally, Utah’s robust networks in Salt Lake and Provo have been a contributing factor for recruiting tech companies to the State. Such high demand necessitates fiber infrastructure.
February’s map shows how many fiber providers serve the municipalities along the Point of the Mountain. Underdeveloped properties are marked by dark grey shading. These properties will require significant broadband upgrades in the coming years.
Luckily, the Point of the Mountain is situated between Utah’s largest urban areas and it sits along the I-15 corridor where many providers have infrastructure. This proximity will lower the cost for broadband providers, but their investment will also depend on cooperation and access provided by the cities.
Follow along with the Point of the Mountain Development Commission’s work at www.pointofthemountainfuture.org. If you’d like to give your input, take the Envision Utah’s survey here.