diff --git a/planetstack/observer/steps/sync_external_routes.py b/planetstack/observer/steps/sync_external_routes.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba4f939
--- /dev/null
+++ b/planetstack/observer/steps/sync_external_routes.py
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+import os
+import base64
+from planetstack.config import Config
+
+class SyncExternalRoutes(SyncStep):
+	# XXX what does this provide?
+	def call(self):
+		routes = self.manager.driver.get_external_routes()
+        subnets = self.manager.driver.shell.quantum.list_subnets()['subnets']
+        for subnet in subnets:
+            try:
+                self.manager.driver.add_external_route(subnet, routes)
+            except:
+                logger.log_exc("failed to add external route for subnet %s" % subnet)