Fort Collins voters are a step closer to deciding whether the city may provide high-speed internet services.

The City Council on Tuesday approved on first reading an ordinance setting ballot language for the Nov. 7 election seeking voter permission to establish a broadband utility. Second reading of the ordinance is Aug. 15.

The ordinance passed on a 5-2 vote, with councilmembers Ray Martinez and Ken Summers opposed.

Martinez said he might support the measure on second reading, but only if he gets his questions about how the service would operate and at what cost to the city and consumers.

Summers said voters should have more specifics to consider, including a firm business plan.

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But other members said the city could provide an important service to residents and businesses. The proposed ballot measure would authorize the council to establish a broadband utility but not mandate that it happens.

Mayor Wade Troxell said a fiber-optic network would provide “future-proofing” for internet access. It would be a critical economic development tool.

The proposal would allow the utility to issue up to $150 million in bonds to build and operate a fiber-optic based network. The cost of the system would be borne by subscribers to the service.

The goal is to make high-speed internet service available throughout the city and its Growth Management Area. City officials hope to provide speeds up to 1 gigabit per second for downloads and uploads at competitive prices.

The business model for the service has not yet been determined. It could be a “retail” model through which the city would build, operate and maintain a broadband network, or it could be done through agreements with one or more existing internet service providers.

Kevin Duggan is a Coloradoan senior reporter covering local government. Follow him on Twitter, @coloradoan_dugg, and on Facebook at Coloradoan Kevin Duggan.

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