A Harvard study found that, in 27 communities and cities with both private and city owned internet, the municipal broadband was almost always cheaper.
In the wake of the FCC's repeal of net neutrality and shortly after news that Comcast, Cox, and other broadband providers will be raising rates around the country, a new study shows that cities are providing cheaper broadband than their private counterparts are.
The Harvard study, which looked at 27 communities, is likely to make for-profit broadband providers squirm. The results were definitive. "In nearly every case, the community-own broadband was cheaper -- up to 50% cheaper -- and had more consistent, predictable pricing," Clive thompson reports for Boing Boing. Predictable pricing means that, instead of offering introductory rates and then raising the prices after customers are locked into a service, community broadband providers generally offered consistent pricing.
Suggesting more cities might be wise to follow the example of Fort Collins, Colorado and create their own service.
FULL STORY: Study finds municipal broadband is up to 50% cheaper than telcos
Colorado Town Votes to Go Ahead with Broadband Despite Cable Company's Best Efforts
A media campaign funded by Comcast and CenturyLink failed to stop the ballot initiative in Fort Collins to install universal broadband service delivering gigabit speeds.
Tribal Communities Create Own Broadband Networks
Access to quality internet connectivity in many tribal and rural communities lags far behind other regions.
Making Broadband Investments Count
As connectivity becomes increasingly important to everyday life, policymakers at all levels can take action to streamline broadband infrastructure projects and improve internet access for all communities.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie