Short History of Where We Are

Community broadband networks are an issue that cuts across the political spectrum. Conservative cities, such as Lafayette Louisiana, and more liberal communities have both started building publicly owned systems in order to guarantee their citizens and businesses access to the utility of the 21st century. Republican and Democratic mayors have pushed community-centric initiatives.

Ultimately, this is not a political question of left vs. right - it is a question of whether cable and phone companies will choose what infrastructure a community has or whether the community decides to invest in its digital future.

When the public invests in infrastructure, it creates the necessary conditions for a thriving market and strong economy.

Craig Aaron recently published a good, short history of community broadband and challenged several popular myths. This is a good starting point for those new to thinking about community broadband.