The City announced the HiLight name for its affordable high-speed internet service in March 2019.

“Hi” represents Hillsboro and sends a friendly hello to the community. “Light” is a nod to the fiber optic technology that will connect HiLight customers to lightning-fast gigabit speeds.  

The City's key reasons include:

• Essential access: Many people don't have low-cost access to high-speed internet, particularly low-income families. This negatively affects their lives and their ability to connect with the rest of the community.
• Affordability: Internet access can be within reach for all customers, which will increase equity within our community.
• Cost savings: HiLight customers can save money on this essential service.
• Students: Internet access will help boost learning, improve homework effectiveness, and maximize potential achievements for Hillsboro students.
• Businesses: HiLight high-speed internet service can better position Hillsboro's businesses to be competitive, and to attract and retain talent.
• Community: When more people have internet connectivity, our community members will be more engaged and connected with each other.
• Smart City opportunities: The City can pursue innovative strategies to optimize traffic, energy, utilities, parking, and community WiFi.
• Net neutrality: HiLight internet service will be free from the commercial pressure that restricts or redirects users and their internet traffic.
• Customer service: With HiLight, the City will deliver the outstanding customer service that Hillsboro customers expect.

The City has contracted with a third party to provide optional voice/telephone service. The City does not intend to offer television service.

Funding for the construction of the HiLight network and near-term operations is coming from a variety of available sources, which does not impact funding for city public works or other city financial needs. Over the long term, customer/user generated revenue is expected to cover the costs of on-going HiLight operations

The project will not affect funding for sidewalks and roads. Using a "dig-once" strategy, the City will ensure conduit, or pipe that will house the fiber cables, is installed whenever roads are dug up — saving money and extending the life of our streets and sidewalks. The conduit is a City asset that will retain its value.

The internet is an essential utility. People without access are at a disadvantage — and no one should be left out. City-provided internet service would be net neutral, eliminating the commercial pressure that restricts or redirects users.

The City provides other essential services, like Fire, Police, and Water. Historically, private companies ran those services — and municipal services are safer, more affordable, and more effective. In addition, expanding the City-owned fiber network creates other Smart City connections only the City can provide.

As a municipal corporation, Hillsboro can raise the bar for service delivery — and our entire community will benefit.

WiFi service is in place in Downtown Hillsboro and the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, home of Hillsboro Stadium and Ron Tonkin Field. 

With an expanded fiber network, the City will have more opportunities to provide WiFi throughout the community. The City continues to look at additional locations where it could expand WiFi service.

The Hillsboro School District (HSD) is collaborating as a partner with the City to expand its fiber network and connect every HSD school to the shared network in spring 2019.

Other existing fiber is owned by private companies, which have exclusive rights to use those resources. The City does not have the right to use fiber cabling that is owned by other providers.

As a City, Hillsboro is focused on what is best for our community. The community is best served by healthy competition, which can increase service options, lower prices, and boost connectivity speeds for neighbors and businesses. What's more, the City of Hillsboro looks forward to providing the exceptional customer service that residents expect.

Internet access is essential. No one should be left out of the opportunities it offers.

Concerns about net neutrality are high. City-provided HiLight internet service will be free from the commercial pressure that restricts and redirects users and their internet traffic.

The City will not collect, track, or store data about websites visited by individual users, nor will the City sell information about internet use to third parties.

Currently, the City plans to focus on connecting Hillsboro residents, businesses, and nonprofits to HiLight.

Support from the community will be vital as the City proceeds with expanding the network. For now, the best thing to do is stay informed. Sign up for email updates, and watch this page for future opportunities to help increase awareness and enthusiasm for affordable high-speed internet service in Hillsboro.