CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Gateway Cities Regional Fiber Optic Network Project (GCRFON)
GCRFON Project
Lead Agency: Gateway Cities Council of Government (GCCOG) Purpose:
Expand broadband access.
Improve digital equity.
Enhance connectivity for City facilities, residents, and businesses.
City of Commerce Route Highlights:
Underground installation along Slauson Ave, Eastern Ave, Commerce Way, Telegraph Rd.
Aerial installation along Gage Ave.
Key Details:
Total underground route: 5.4 Miles
Total aerial route: 1 Mile
Installation within existing public right-of-way
288 CT Fiber Optic Cable.
Fiber Optic Cable will be leased to commercial carriers.
Joint project with California Department of Technology.
GCRFON Project
Eastern Ave
Slauson Ave
Commerce Way
Telegraph Rd
Gage Ave
Slauson Ave
GCRFON Project
Benefits to the City:
Use of Two (2) Dedicated Dark Fiber Strands for City use.
Maintained by GCCOG for its useful life.
Supports public facilities and future smart-city capabilities.
Expected City Commitments:
Cooperate on design and construction coordination.
Approve access to City ROW under a perpetual license.
Designate a point-of-contact for project communications.
GCRFON Project
Challenges:
GCCOG is requesting a waiver of all permit fees for installation, maintenance, and operation of the Fiber Optic Network in perpetuity.
There is currently no master plan outlining its governance or use.
The offer of two (2) dedicated dark fiber strands for City use is inadequate and the City must bear all costs to utilize the strands.
The City would be responsible for the full cost of relocating or removing GCRFON infrastructure in the event of future ROW conflicts/needs.
The proposal to offer subsidized rates for low-income residents overlaps with existing CPUC requirements, which already mandates such programs to ensure utility affordability and access.
Impact on City’s infrastructure during construction.
Ongoing and future maintenance concerns on City’s infrastructure.
No franchise/benefits to the City.
Future undergrounding of aerial portion will be at the City’s cost.
Potential conflicts with existing utilities.
GCRFON Project
Project Status:
Execution of Right-of-Way Use Agreement between City and GCCOG.
City review of construction plans and coordination.
Existing Network Coverage in the City:
The City has an existing network coverage of 99%, covered by multiple providers.
GCRFON Project
Considerations:
Franchise Fees.
Licensing and Permitting Fees.
Undergrounding of aerial fiber optic cable.
Dedication of Fiber for City use.
Relocation of Fiber due to future City projects.