Faster, cheaper, better broadband in Baltimore

[Commentary] There is a monopoly for fast Internet services in Baltimore City. As a consequence, we pay more for less in Baltimore because fast fiber optic technology -- often called fiber to the premises (FTTP) -- is not widely deployed to our homes and businesses like it is in every county surrounding the city and along much of the East Coast, and because Comcast does not operate in a competitive environment in the city.

Extending FTTP and allowing alternative Internet service providers the opportunity to compete in the city is why 14 communities in north Baltimore have partnered to create the Baltimore Broadband Campaign.

We want to demonstrate that, through the intelligent use of existing fiber infrastructure and the installation of new fiber where necessary, an economically viable, competitive FTTP-based broadband service is possible in the city. And it need not come from Comcast or Verizon.

Our campaign's first phase involves a grassroots crowdfunding effort through which we hope to convince providers that there is sufficient demand to warrant the deployment of a competitive, fiber-based broadband service in Baltimore. We hope our campaign will lead to a second phase where, in partnership with elected officials, there is a change toward more proactive public policy. Good public policy requires a clear vision, a rational plan and effective execution.

• First, we believe that vision must include extending fiber to the premises with connectivity for all.
• Second, the city owns approximately 3.9 million feet of underground conduit (the passages through which our utilities run), and some of these contain city-owned fiber. That conduit is valuable, but only if the city knows where it is and its condition.
• Third, the city should establish "dig once policies," coordinating, if not requiring, fiber optic installation with other capital improvement projects such as road repaving or trenching for utility work.
• Fourth, the city should convene and facilitate a monthly or quarterly broadband round table, involving existing service providers and fiber facility owners within the city, city personnel, interested citizens and other stakeholders.
• Fifth, our state and federal officials are also critical in this effort.

[Spevak, Wilson and Gill are co-leaders of the Baltimore Broadband Campaign]