Blandin on Broadband

Red Wing, Minnesota is looking at installing fiber optics (FTTH). The currently are served by Qwest but they are looking at improving connectivity. At its Nov. 26 meeting, the Red Wing City Council approved a feasibility study and the Red Wing Port Authority has set aside $25,000 in funds. The hope is that this will match a potential grant from the Blandin Foundation.

Proponents are optimistic at the outcome but everyone agrees that the feasibility report, which is be performed by an outside firm, will help them move forward. The report will answer two primary questions. 1) Is fiber a good investment for Red Wing? 2) How should Red Wing provide service? Today they are considering three options:

1. The first option is an “open platform” where the city would invite service providers to use the network.
2. The second option is to have the city would establish a contract with an established provider after the network was installed.
3. The third option is to have the city not only install the network but also run it.

Bill Coleman, a consultant with the Blandin Foundation, has this remark about Red Wing’s plan:

The theme of the recent Blandin Broadband Conference was about communities making the right choices. Red Wing is pursuing its goal of ensuring the highest quality telecommunications services for its businesses, institutions and residents and it seems like they are working in a diligent and careful manner. A carefully designed and well-implemented feasibility study will inform community leaders about their options.

For more information, visit Red Wing’s Republican Eagle’s recent article: High-tech network plan picks up steam.