Memo to Telcos: NYC Has an RFI for You

[Commentary] The city of New York has released a new Request for Information seeking technical and operational input from industry sources. The city wants to know what types of strategies for public/private cooperation it should consider in an effort to deliver "universal gigabit-class broadband" throughout the five boroughs. And among the local government's stated goals, it wants to develop "a citywide implementation plan that leverages the best of public and private sources to expand broadband availability and affordability, and to maximize the benefits of competition." New York's technology department doesn't know what the right model for deployment should be, but officials firmly believe any implementation plan can only succeed as a collaborative effort. The RFI is aimed at Internet service providers, investors, contractors, equipment vendors and more.

New York isn't looking for a private sector handout. There's a capital budget in place for broadband development, and the city is ready to commit "assets and resources across agencies, including but not limited to City streets, rooftops, street poles and organizational resources" to the effort. What New York is looking for in exchange is ideas; creative ways to expand connectivity that benefit both industry and public interests.