Thanks to Bruce Ponerantz who just sent me an article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune (Scott County betting on fiber’s future).
Apparently Scott County is creating a 94-mile fiber-optic ring. It will be the largest government-owned high-speed network in the state and one of the largest in the nation. It is financed and owned by a government.
The immediate goal is to connect the police departments, schools, libraries and government agencies. With hopes to connecting residents and businesses with help from private partners.
The system cost $3.5 million but is expected to save $500,000 a year by eliminating payments for Internet connection – and that’s just to start. It is also expected to boost economic development.
Blandin on Broadband 
GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE IN BUISNESS! They are using Taxpayer money to elimanate Taxpayers Jobs in the Telcom Field.. This needs to be STOPPED
Joe,
I know there are lots of people who would agree with you and lots of people who would disagree.
How do you feel about the public sector getting involved in areas that are not currently served with private providers and/or not likely to get services any time soon?
Or how do you feel about a public/private partnership? For a small company I think the initial investment in the infrastructure can be an insurmountable barrier – but with government support I think it can be possible to get a local provider.
Thanks! Ann