I knew folks would be interested in details on the upcoming TISP meeting. So while I’m sorry to post so much news today, I wanted to share it asap…

SAVE THE DATE – TISP Program

Wednesday, May 4 * 4 – 5:30PM
Roy Wilkins Room (215)
Humphrey School of Public Affairs

TOPIC: PUBLIC PRIVATE BROADBAND PARTNERSHIPS: HOW THEY WORK IN PRACTICE

Public private broadband partnerships as a way to expand broadband in Minnesota is often repeated popular language. But what does it mean for building community wide broadband networks?

Join us on Wednesday, May 4, to hear the up close and personal stories of how two private companies and two public entities are making their public private partnerships work. Both partnerships aim to bring wide ranging betterment to a whole community through a fiber optic network. But what do they do in actual practice?

Also hear from the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company/Lac qui Parle County partnership and from the Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc/FiberNet Monticello partnership. Bernadine Joselyn, Director of Public Policy and Engagement, Blandin Foundation, will moderate the discussion.

What lessons can be learned? What problems arise? What might be incentives for private providers in such partnerships? What motivates public participants?

Stay tuned for full program details to follow.

Co-Sponsors: Blandin Foundation
League of Minnesota Cities
Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association

The idea behind this forum is simple and essential: purposeful exchange on key issues with engaged stakeholders to create a better information future.