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South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br /> Regular Meeting—June 14, 2011 <br /> 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) <br /> C. South Bend Central Development Area <br /> (3) continued... <br /> Mr. Varner wanted to note for the record that <br /> the Metronet operates as a non-profit agency. <br /> They are heavily subsidized by the city. At <br /> the same time they are in competition with <br /> companies that are paying taxes and <br /> supporting the city. <br /> Mr. Littrell responded that the Metronet is a <br /> dark fiber provider. It is a local company. <br /> The users of the Metronet select whatever <br /> internet service provider would be able to <br /> give them the best service cross-country. <br /> Mr. Varner said he objects that the city is cut <br /> out of the deal completely. He feels the <br /> Metronet needs to start paying something in <br /> the way of a fee to the city, as does AT&T, <br /> as do other vendors. Instead, we continue to <br /> subsidize it. If they are going to be a viable <br /> operation and compete with the other <br /> companies that are paying taxes, they need to <br /> start paying the city instead of constantly <br /> requesting more money. He thinks this radio <br /> access is a nice idea, but some of those <br /> revenues that flow to the Metronet need to <br /> come to the city. He doesn't want the next <br /> request to be that the Commission buy <br /> $200,000 4300,000 worth of radios. If the <br /> Metronet is going to compete with the <br /> regular vendors, they need to pay like the <br /> regular vendors do. <br /> Mr. Littrell responded that the Metronet is <br /> not competing with the regular vendors. <br /> Users of the Metronet still need those other <br /> providers for cross-country access. Metronet <br /> is a link to that access. <br /> 38 <br />