City Administrator Bob Vitas says the goal is to have fiber optic connections for every property in Moline.
"We're also looking for them to provide in addition to that, they would be providing fiber to all of our 104 traffic control signals throughout the city so that we can regulate and control them remotely as opposed to today having to go to each one individually."
In addition, fiber optic lines would allow the city to set up cameras for traffic control and security at nearly 500 locations, including schools and parks.
Vitas says the drive to make broadband available has been going on across the country for 10 to 20 years, but it accelerated during the pandemic so people could work from home and children could attend school remotely.
"To remain competitive for economic development purposes, to be able to be a smart city, is an attraction for outside investment as well."
Vitas says whichever vendor is chosen will pay the cost of building the network, and then be able to charge subscription fees to its customers in Moline.
A consultant will review the bids, and possibly make a recommendation by the end of the month.