The Marquette Board of Light and Power (MBLP) is currently exploring the potential benefit and financial viability of offering broadband internet service to their customer base. The MBLP is currently only authorized to deliver electric light and power utilities to City residents and residents of the surrounding area and the City Charter places all other municipal utilities under the control of the City. As a municipal electric company, the MBLP is uniquely suited to offer broadband internet service due to the overlap in infrastructure required to provide electricity and fiber optic internet.

This resolution provides support for the exploration of broadband internet as a potential additional utility provided and controlled by the MBLP and recognizes there may be future need for modifications or additions to the City Code or Charter to this effect.

Support of the MBLP effort to become a broadband provider is a priority listed in the proposed 2021-2023 City Strategic Plan.