I just ran across a helpful publication from the New America Foundation on Public Broadband Options: The Art of the Possible An Overview of Public Broadband Options. The purpose of the report is to enable communities to evaluate their broadband options, and provides an overview of different types of public broadband projects, business models, potential community benefits, and common challenges or risks. It recommends communities consider three primary issues when considering a public broadband project: who owns the network and decides how it operates; the costs associated with developing and running the network balanced against the revenue it generates; and the benefits achieved through successful implementation of the project.

The info is in synch with much of the info I found when looking at feasibility reports for various Minnesota communities (Lessons from BB feasibility studies). I think both are valuable for communities looking into options for public networks – as the authors of the New America Foundation report explain, there is no one-size fits all solution. BUT there are some pre-tested solutions that are worth considering when coming up with a local plan. You just have to think of the options being more like a buffet than a set dinner option.

I’ve culled an outline of report below and added their conclusion… (If any of these topics look new or interesting to you, you should check out the full report.)

Ownership and Governance Models:

• Ask yourself how your community would balance control, risk and reward.

Public Ownership – who will own/operate?

• Municipal Electric Utility
• City Department
• Public-Private Partnership
• Cooperative Model

Understanding Broadband Technologies

• DSL
• Cable
• Fiber
• Mobile 3G/4G
• Wi-Fi
• Satellite
• TV White Space Technology

Public Network Business Models

•  Retail Service
• Open Access
• Institutional/Middle Mile Model

Benefits Beyond the Balance Sheet

• Economic Development
• Educational Outcomes
• Healthcare Outcomes

Risks and Challenges

• Political, Legislative & Legal Risks
• Marketplace, Operational & Financial Risks

Conclusion

As government leaders evaluate their options it is important to focus on developing the most appropriate network model to meet the goals of the community, while accounting for fiscal realities and associated risks. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. There are any number of different permutations for a public project that a government can utilize, offering different benefits and tradeoffs. Local fiber networks are a significant investment but one that can provide enormous benefits over the long term. This report is a useful primer for local governments to begin evaluating broadband options, but it is not a substitute for a deliberate and comprehensive evaluation. Taking the time to perform the proper due diligence on any broadband project is critical to developing a successful, sustainable, and scalable project.

Also they include a nice chart of broadband by application – something I hear people ask for all of the time!