A Franchise Model May Be the Key to Providing Rural Broadband

In a franchise model, regional service providers purchase brand rights from more prominent providers. A local carrier, for instance, could become a franchise site for, say, Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, or strong regional operators – even operators from other states. MDU networks and regional partnerships of all kinds could sell national branded broadband. Consumers and all parties gain significant financial advantages, but there are financial pitfalls and regulatory issues. But benefits often outweigh everything else. New federal grant money could accelerate the process.

[David Daugherty is the managing partner of FyberCorp, a Texas-based company specializing in broadband solutions for first responders and underserved communities]