Lakeland officials are wondering whether Summit Broadband has “overpromised and underdelivered” in its promise to bring broadband to the city one year into a 10-year contract.
Kevin Coyne, CEO of Summit Broadband, told city commissioners the company would roll out internet service to the first 1,000 homes in April, expanding to 5,000 homes by June. To date, Summit has provided internet services to roughly a dozen businesses.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said it was “surprising” to hear of Summit’s complaints, alleging it’s the first he’s heard of issues.
“It’s disappointing he had that conversation with a commissioner and potentially with the public without bringing that to staff’s attention,” Sherrouse said.
A number of Lakeland employees said there have been some indications of growing friction in the city’s private-public partnership.
Sherrouse said Summit Broadband is upholding its contract with the city and meeting all its financial obligations. Under the 2021 contract, Summit is to invest $20 million within the first five years to build out the city’s roughly 350-mile dark fiber network and contribute at least $20,000 a year toward bridging the digital divide. The company is also to pay the city a minimum of $144,000 a year, or 10% of its gross revenue for internet services.
“Hopefully we’re seeing a slow start and the pace will pick up,” Sherrouse said. “The city will make sure Summit stays in compliance with the agreement.”