Under a new proposal brought to the Bozeman City Commission, Bozeman may dig public cable lines to address the poor service and high prices of private internet/cable providers. Advocates pushing a publicly owned fiber-optic cable network say that digging public lines would increase competition among internet providers, helping improve their services and prices.
The city would not provide Internet access directly but would install a common network that could be leased by private companies. Without needing heavy, upfront capital, the addition of small, private companies into the market could increase the current competition.
As more businesses store their valuable information online, having affordable, reliable connections becomes all the more important. Considering two thirds of businesses surveyed by advocates of the new proposal were dissatisfied by their internet service, increased competition may lead to better internet quality in Bozeman.
Advocates suggest that the Internet has become an essential utility and requires proper infrastructure in the city to support it. In their minds, the Internet should be dealt with in the same manner as roads and sewers.
Currently, 143 cities in the US have implemented some form of public fiber-optic cable policy. The project, if approved, would be funded with private donations and tax increment finance district funds that have been allocated for economic development. The city would not need a bond or additional money from the city’s general fund.
Once again, it’s great to see the City of Bozeman focusing and planning for the future. By listening to such proposals, even if they ultimately are not approved, Bozeman can stay on the forefronts of technology and continue being the easy, enjoyable city it has become to its residents.
Source: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/city/advocates-push-for-public-fiber-network-in-bozeman/article_6bce111e-84ea-11e4-b335-cf30253919e8.html?utm_medium=desktop&utm_source=block_937344&utm_campaign=blox
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