Becky Ginos, The City Journals
UTOPIA Fiber released its 2024 figures on March 11, showing sustained subscriber growth and rapid network deployment. According to the report, the Open Access fiber network deployed 1.9 million feet of fiber optic cable, 1.3 million feet of underground conduit, 68,190 feet of aerial strand and 8,660 handholes to allow even more Utahns access to high speed internet.
“It started in 2002 but really got going in 2004,” said Roger Timmerman, executive director of UTOPIA Fiber. “Back then everybody was excited because we had 50 customers. Now we’re getting 500-1,000 subscribers every month so we’ve seen a steady increase.”
Fiber continues to meet the customers’ needs, he said. “Cable, satellite and wireless continue to get better but fiber leads the way. It’s future-proof. When you put in fiber, theoretically it has infinite capacity, it’s just the devices at the end that have to be updated.”
It doesn’t deteriorate like cable, Timmerman said. “Cable uses copper. Even satellites only last about five years. Wireless and satellites have a short life span. Fiber is glass so we expect it to last 50 years or longer.”
Each fiber optic cable has strands of glass, he said. “It sends light across the glass. It can be bent, it doesn’t erode, oxidize and withstands cold and heat and it can get wet. Other materials don’t hold up over time.”
The cool thing is UTOPIA installed fiber 20 years ago, said Timmerman. “We don’t see an end in sight. We’ve been able to stay ahead of the latest and greatest.”
Timmerman said people are demanding higher speeds. “They’re streaming more instead of using broadcasts like in the past. More people are using internet-based streaming. They like that it’s cheaper and faster.”
It’s not uncommon for people to have 4K TVs, he said. “Now they have screens in their pockets and high-definition devices are growing exponentially. People need connectivity. I know it’s a crisis in my home.”
UTOPIA Fiber made fiber access available to 23,684 new homes in 2024 and 1,974 businesses, completed its West Haven City buildout and is set to complete Bountiful Fiber’s network by July 2025. The subscriber total climbed to more than 70,000. UTOPIA Fiber delivers Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) in 21 cities in Utah and business-class service in 50 cities, according to a release.
Customers will see a noticeable difference, said Timmerman. “The entire experience is better on fiber. We put it out there and let the customer choose.”
Bountiful City recently partnered with UTOPIA Fiber to build the network throughout the city and residents can opt in if they would like to. “The city had an open process and considered multiple options before deciding to go with UTOPIA, he said. “We were excited when the city ultimately chose UTOPIA. We have a three-year commitment but we’re on track to finish early. The city has been very helpful and a good partner to help us be able to build so quickly.”
The revenue from subscribers helps pay the bond, said Timmerman. “They’re already getting revenue before they even start paying off the bond.”
Every address in the cities it’s in will get UTOPIA, not just areas that are profitable, he said. “It’s considered a critical service for low-income households. We’re not in it for profit. We’re aligned with the cities in an interlocal agreement. Water and power are a lot like this. Cities work together with us so that they don’t have to go hire workers and build the infrastructure.”
The city and UTOPIA share the revenue, Timmerman said. “The city uses the money to cover the bond debt and we use the money to cover operational expenses. The more customers we get will keep the rates down.”
