The Killer App for Local Fiber Networks

Nearly every US community that has developed a fiber optic broadband network or partnered with the private sector to acquire one has put economic development at the top of its list of reasons for doing so. Communities increasingly recognize that fiber networks also provide critical benefits for education, public safety, health care, transportation, energy, environmental protection, urban revitalization, government service and much more. But only in revitalizing and modernizing local economies and creating meaningful, well-paying jobs do community leaders, businesses, institutions and residents consistently find common ground.

In short, economic development and job creation can fairly be called the “killer app” for local fiber networks. Many projects across the country use advanced communications capabilities to support economic development and at the same time use the benefits of economic development to fund their network and make them sustainable. Over time, the path from broadband investments to economic development should be faster, more efficient and less costly to navigate.

[Jim Baller, Joanne Hovis, and Ashley Stelfox are co-founders of the Coalition for Local Internet Choice. Masha Zager is the editor for Broadband Communities]

[Joanne Hovis sits on the Board of Directors for the Benton Foundation]