FAQs

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about the UTOPIA network. If you don't see your answer here, please feel free to submit your question for more information.

What is UTOPIA?

The Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency, more commonly known as UTOPIA, is a group of 16 Utah cities that joined together to form a state-of-the-art fiber-optic network. UTOPIA builds and manages a fiber-to-the-premise network, which means that you have today's fastest technology connected directly to your home or office without having to share with your neighbors. UTOPIA's open access model fosters competition among private-sector service providers who use the network to offer Internet, television, telephone and other services, giving customers the freedom to choose their own service providers, the best prices, and absolutely the best service.

What is your service area?

UTOPIA's 16 member cities are: Brigham City, Cedar City, Cedar Hills, Centerville, Layton, Lindon, Midvale, Murray, Orem, Payson, Perry, Riverton, Tremonton, Vineyard, Washington, and West Valley City.

We are currently have infrastructure laid in the following cities: Brigham City, Centerville, Layton, Lindon, Midvale, Murray, Orem, Payson, Tremonton, and West Valley City.

What is the UIA and how is it different from UTOPIA?

UIA (The Utah Infrastructure Agency) is a separate entity that our cities have formed to grow the UTOPIA network and provide more oversight on the growth of our community-owned fiber optic network in our cities. It also makes it easier for other cities that are interested in having this kind of network to join down the road.

What is the importance of a fiber-optic network?

Fiber optic technology uses tiny glass strands to transmit data and information in the form of light. The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second, which allows the information to travel incredibly fast and, because light isn't subject to the same interferences as current copper and wire technology, more accurately and reliably. Additionally, fiber-optics have a much higher maximum capacity than other available technologies; in fact, scientists haven't even begun to tap the complete capacity of fiber-optic technology. Other networks, such as the telephone company and the cable company, rely - at least - in part - on copper wire technology, which limits their ability to provide needed services.

What is the significance of a dedicated service?

UTOPIA connects each home and business with its own dedicated fiber-optic strand. Unlike other networks, that split total capacity among neighbors, your UTOPIA connection isn't shared with anyone else. That means you can always access your service's full bandwidth, even when all the neighborhood kids are on their computers after school.

Will this technology become outdated?

Fiber-optic networks will not be outdated until scientists discover something that moves faster than light. We haven't begun to approach the total capacity of a single strand of fiber, which can be increased simply by changing electronics on either end of the fiber. So, some of the equipment that controls the movement of information over the network will become obsolete and need to be updated, just as your personal computer needs to be upgraded from time to time, but the bulk of the network infrastructure is "future proof."

What about wireless?

Wireless is a useful and complementary technology, but will never replace the need for fiber and higher capacity. Wireless is a great technology for a small amount of users in a limited area, but wireless signals are always translated to a fiber network before connecting to the Internet. The best analogy we've heard is to compare wireless to an extension cord -- wireless gets you capacity in places you can't bring a wire, but just like you wouldn't want to power your whole house with an extension cord, most people believe the need for fiber capacity will only increase over time, even as wireless becomes more reliable and useful. Additionally, wireless in an inherently shared technology, which means as more people use it, the speeds slow down, traffic is congested, and sometime people get kicked off entirely. As Internet technology and applications become more bandwidth intensive, people will find wireless inadequate for all uses.

What services does UTOPIA provide?

UTOPIA doesn't provide any services itself, instead opting for an "open access model." UTOPIA simplys builds and maintains the infrastructure and allows private-sector service providers to use it. This means that customers on the UTOPIA network have a choice among multiple service providers competing for their business. Today, UTOPIA has more than a dozen service providers who offer no less than 10Mbps symmetrical connections and can offer as much bandwidth as you need. UTOPIA's service providers offer Internet, voice, video and other services.

I want UTOPIA. What if my home is not in a UTOPIA city? What can I do?

UTOPIA is owned by Utah cities, and the decision to make UTOPIA available to residents is made on a city level. If you'd like to see UTOPIA in your city, the best thing you can do is talk with your neighbors and city council to express your interest.

When will the UTOPIA network be available to me?

The cities of UTOPIA are planning on launching another major growth initiative within the year, and will build in each UTOPIA city over the next several years. In part, they will begin construction in areas where there is the greatest number of customers ready to sign up for the service.

I've heard there's a connection fee. Will I have to pay?

Every telecommunications network will charge you for your connection to their network; although sometimes you'll have a small connection fee upfront, the bulk of your connection cost are hidden in your monthly service bill. However, long after you've finished paying for your connection, the networks will continue to charge the same monthly fee. On the UTOPIA network, your connection fee is separated onto another bill that you pay off over time. However, unlike other networks, once that's paid off, you own the connection and you're only left with the low monthly cost of your services.

Customers that want to reduce their monthly bill can pay the entire connection fee upfront. Customers that want to pay it over time can sign a contract with the city, which is attached to your property as a notice of interest. This lets new buyers know that you have a fiber-optic connection, in case you decide to sell. In general, customers find their total monthly bill - including both their monthly services and their connection fee - is about the same or less than they're paying now, often at a much higher speed.

What speeds are available on UTOPIA?

UTOPIA's fiber-to-the-premise technology means customers have access to today's fastest speeds. Each provider on UTOPIA's network has a host of Internet, voice and video solutions -- for both homes and businesses -- for you to choose from. Services on UTOPIA's network start at a blazing fast, dedicated 20 Mpbs.