The city of Bountiful, Utah voted to build a $48 million fiber network to provide affordable gigabit broadband for its residents and businesses. Regional internet providers Comcast and CenturyLink opposed the plan and tried to force a public vote through a taxpayer group they fund. However, communities often build their own networks because existing options are inadequate. Data shows that community-owned networks provide better, faster, cheaper service than monopolies. While big internet providers claim community networks are a boondoggle, they are just another business plan that often succeeds due to quality proposals and local accountability. Comcast and CenturyLink did not want to provide the high-speed internet Bountiful needed, but also tried to block the city from doing so itself.


You love to see it. Do you have community Internet available where you live?

  • Andy@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    ·
    1 year ago

    That’s great news. I’m also glad to hear that Gigi Sohn has found her next project after being unfairly prevented from serving on the FCC.