Public ownership of broadband access is best

PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF BROADBAND ACCESS IS BEST
[SOURCE: The Eureka Reporter, AUTHOR: Christopher Mitchell]
[Commentary] Too many cities in California are stuck with slow (or no) broadband access. As the United States continues to dip in international broadband rankings, individual communities have a choice: build their own broadband network or hope someone else does it for them. The Broadband Task Force recognizes the importance of universal broadband access in California. Broadband has already had an impact on education, economic development, public safety and entertainment. It may well revolutionize health care, especially in rural areas. Unfortunately, the Broadband Task Force has chosen the seductive path of dependence on private providers for these networks. Public ownership is a better plan. Broadband networks are here for the long haul, and our dependence on them will only increase. Many citywide wireless networks are privately owned, depending on city government as an anchor tenant. The network requires city money without offering the city any control. Under such circumstances, owning beats renting.
http://eurekareporter.com/article/080302-public-ownership-of-broadband-a...