Cortez, Colorado, Municipality Builds Open Access Fiber Network
from: http://www.muninetworks.org/content/business-interest-cortez-muni-network-exceeds-expectations
Business Interest in Cortez Muni Network Exceeds Expectations
Wed, June 29, 2011
Last month, we were excited to write about the open access network in Cortez, Colorado. We can update the story with information from this article:
[B]usiness participation on Cortez’s own municipal fiber-optic network has exceeded expectations – with 76 drops purchased to connect 98 Cortez businesses to the network.Rick Smith, director of the city’s General Services Department, said crews are working to get the drops connected and to extend conduit to the west side of Broadway Street.
“(The demand) exceeded my expectations,” he said. “It’s a good problem to have. … I think the business owners see the value in being connected to the fiber for the long-term future. I think they see it as a way to stay competitive and enhance their business.”
These businesses could start using the network in July but no service provider has yet committed to providing services. When the network is ready, there is no doubt at least one will take advantage of the community network to offer next-generation services. Over time, as more subscribers are available, more service providers will want to compete for their attention.
“It’s going to give us an advantage that other communities don’t have,” Smith said. “You’ve got communities starting to take notice of what Cortez is doing, and it’s exciting.”
Businesses interested in joining the network can purchase “drops” to physically connect to the fiber-optic line. Drops currently cost a one-time fee of $150 for a small business or home and $175 for a medium business. Other rates are available for large businesses and multi-unit buildings.
But drops are only available in a limited area of town along Main Street currently. As the network generates more revenues, it will expand to other areas of the community.
AND FOR THOSE STILL READING:
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Random Quote
Municipalities are not primary motivated by the desire to make a “profit,” as that term is understood by Wall Street, but by the need to meet important needs of the community. Chief among these are enhancing economic development, educational and occupational opportunity, access to affordable health care, digital equity, public safety, homeland security, environmental protection, efficient government service, cultural enrichment, and all of factors that contribute to a high qualify of life. A public FTTU system can contribute to the fulfillment of each one of these goals.
Source: The Case for Public Fiber-to-the-User Systems
We have visited Cortez many times over the years staying with a friend when we go elk hunting. We are very impressed with the little town and its progressive outlook. So pray Poplar Bluff politicians and see beyond the reach of their “power” to do the right thing for the community. The last time I heard, government was to serve the people, not the other way around.