Municipal networks will not wire US for broadband

[Commentary] Our review of municipal fiber projects finds that the few successful projects have unique characteristics that do not make them models for other communities.

Most muni fiber networks were built by public utilities, and almost all are located in small municipalities. Some received federal Recovery Act subsidies that are no longer available. Almost half do not even serve residential customers. And it appears that few employ career, skilled employees with the good wages and benefits that union standards have set in the telecommunication industry. In contrast to municipal ownership, there are models of public-private partnerships that are successful. Using local public ownership carries a high risk of failure. We must continue to insist that incumbent providers invest in high-speed networks serving all communities. And cities, policymakers, and concerned advocates can look to the North Carolina Next Generation Network for models of successful public-private partnerships that expand high-speed broadband and create jobs for skilled, union telecom employees.