By having our own electric utility, underground infrastructure and available conduit though the Board of Light and Power, the City of Portland is uniquely positioned to potentially provide superior broadband services with the same reliability that our electric customers have come to expect. Further, the City of Portland believes strongly in the free market, private enterprise and the benefit of competition to the consumer. Therefore, the City does not limit the number of service providers to our residents and should the City ultimately provide broadband services, it will be nonexclusive. While offering broadband internet service is desired among our residents, this prospect primarily lays the foundation for “smart city” concepts and infrastructure improvements related to our existing utility services for the future. The benefits go well beyond residential and commercial internet service.