Both Soglin and Orton acknowledged the steep cost of providing this service but remained positive about attracting private sector partnerships and federal grant money.

“I think what is critical is we won’t get the private partner unless we’re willing to go down this road,” Soglin said. “I do think given the commitment we’ve already made, given where we’re going … that will attract attention of people in the industry.”

He said he hopes to hear from potential partners within a year or less. Orton said he hopes that federal grant money for technology infrastructure will be available within a year, citing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign promise to provide high-speed Internet to everyone.

“We might be, next spring, shovel-ready for whatever federal money is possibly available for cities to pursue these kinds of things,” Orton said.

Ald. Mark Clear, District 19, a member of the Digital Technology Committee, said the key is ensuring the city can leverage the high cost.