The New UTOPIA: Transforming Failure Into Success

Whenever anyone tries making an argument against municipal broadband and/or open networks, more often than not it starts by citing UTOPIA as the poster child for failure, the example given for why other cities shouldn't pursue plans to wire themselves. And in many ways, UTOPIA -- the audaciously named, multi-city municipal wholesale-only full-fiber build in Utah--has been a cautionary tale. Started in 2002, the network still doesn't cover any of its pledging cities in total, it's not yet financially self-sustaining, it's already over $150 million in the hole, and it has struggled to attract service providers, especially any big names. As Paul Larsen, Economic Development Director for Brigham City and member of UTOPIA's Executive Board, put it last week, twelve months ago they were discussing what color UTOPIA's casket was going to be. But the last twelve months have seen the beginnings of a dramatic turnaround for UTOPIA, starting with the introduction of Todd Marriott as their new executive director last May.