Gigabit lesson No. 1: Partner in haste, repent at leisure

[Commentary] First Google offers to build a lucky city a gigabit network. Now new companies are arriving with similar offers. As these offers excite communities nationwide, many may not realize they are on the verge of repeating errors that doomed cities’ muni Wi-Fi dreams in 2007.

There is little doubt Kansas City has reaped many rewards from its deal with Google, and 34 cities are potentially Google Fiber beneficiaries. International investment bank Macquarie Capital is in deep negotiations for a partnership deal with 11 cities in Utah. C-Spire, a private communications company, just announced a fiber partnership with four Mississippi communities.

This recent spate of high-profile deals may look too good to pass up, but there is an eerie similarity to events leading to the muni Wi-Fi fiasco. As current media coverage drives hype about angels swooping in to bring gigabit networks to cities in need, communities need to heed a lesson from the municipal Wi-Fi days. Fortunately, the companies offering deals now are well capitalized. But to maximize the benefits these investors bring, individuals, local companies and community leaders must think smarter, plan better and negotiate more effectively than their predecessors. They also need a far better understanding of the technologies involved.

[Settles is host of radio talk show Gigabit Nation]