Treat broadband as infrastructure and we have a chance to get it right

Washington seems poised, yet again, to try to address broadband infrastructure by throwing billions of dollars at it to be managed at the national level, and already there is a chorus of voices demanding that access to broadband be “free.” All this will ensure the effort fails. What’s needed is a recognition that the only approach that can succeed is a novel combination of public-private partnerships at the local level. The important recognition is that cities are not monolithic. Broadband is a neighborhood issue, driven by different socioeconomic factors that must be addressed. Three business models need to be employed The traditional business model, where service providers charge customers a fee, will suffice for areas already wired and returning a profit. An ad or sponsorship model, where base stations are sponsored by companies, will probably develop into a workable alternative. And finally, there is a model joining governmental and philanthropic/charitable support, where there is a need for ultra-low or no-cost service. This overall approach requires the right level of government providing leadership that is transparent and responsive but has the heft to be an effective facilitator or coordinator. Accountability requires an articulated goal.

[JJ Koch is a Dallas County commissioner and an attorney with expertise in the field of legal technology. Todd Furniss is CEO of gTC Group, a private equity firm based in Dallas.]