Post in SofC - Broadband

Mar 24 17:13 UTC

I love living in St. Paul and I think we are doing as good or better
than our peers.

However, one of the few things that could lure me away from the city is
access to fast, cheap broadband networks.  St. Paul suffers from a
duopoly and shows no promise for faster networks from the private
sector.  Both AT&T and Verizon are making the investments our incumbents
aren't.

For a variety of reasons, I think St. Paul needs to make some smart
investments in this area.  I think the first step should be for the city
to invest in a fiber network that will meet the needs (dare I say as
well, the desires) of the City, the Public Schools, the County (within
St. Paul) and the State (within St. Paul).

These entities all have a great need for faster networks to do their
business and become more efficient.  They will need them for decades -
paying others to build them and run them makes no economic sense.  These
are systems the City can and should run to make sure all agencies have
the speeds they need without breaking their (our) budget.

That should be the first step.  Depending on how well that goes, the
City should consider expanding the network to offer affordable speeds to
everyone.  In St. Paul, most folks have 2 choices for broadband, but 1
in 3 only have cable as an option.  Neither is particularly affordable
for people struggling to get by.  These people need access to search for
jobs, educate themselves, and ensure their children have the best access
to educational resources.

St. Paul can build a network to connect everyone and allow private
competitors to use it (by wholesaling access).  Public investments in
infrastructure are good for business.  This particular investment can
actually pay for itself over time - something roads don't do.

However important they were in the past, fast networks are now essential
infrastructure.  If St. Paul does not ensure it businesses and citizens
have access to fast networks at affordable prices, we will not be able
to compete with those who do.

This isn't entirely about luring new businesses to St. Paul - it is
about ensuring those that are here can expand and continue to compete.

Christopher Mitchell
wondering why my draft N wireless card is arguing with my G router after
  1.5 years of harmonious fraternity - at least my cat5 is getting some
love.