From original TechZine article
Rural communities and small cities need fast broadband access to prosper in an increasingly globalized and connected world. Municipal governments recognize the socioeconomic benefits that ultra-broadband connections can bring. Many also understand the technical and financial challenges involved in bringing these connections to small communities. Still, most municipalities lack a clear strategy and implementation path for realizing their ultra-broadband vision.
Cities like Opelika, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee have proven that the transformative benefits of ultra-broadband are within reach for smaller population centers. Both cities have successfully deployed fiber networks that deliver gigabit speeds and services to homes and businesses. Their citizens now enjoy ultra-broadband experiences that had previously been unknown outside the world’s elite cities.
So how can your small city or rural community emulate the success of Opelika and Chattanooga? There’s no universal ultra-broadband deployment strategy. But there are fundamental steps you can follow to build a fast network that lets your citizens and businesses thrive.
Building a sound business case
A well-developed business plan is the foundation for ultra-broadband success. 1 key part of the development process is to choose a viable business model. 2 business models are possible for municipalities seeking to build ultra-broadband community networks:
Your resources, regulatory environment and strategic goals will determine your best way forward.
To support your chosen business model, you need to establish a clear financial blueprint and identify reliable funding sources. Your best sources may include municipal bonds, community loans, private investments, and government grants.
You can build momentum and improve your chance for success by encouraging more stakeholders to embrace and invest in your ultra-broadband plan. To this end, it’s important, after assessing the plans of existing telecom service providers, to engage with schools, hospitals, and businesses from an early stage. It’s also important to consult a telecom lawyer who can help you create a corporate entity that can effectively handle funding and operations.
Turning ideas into action
A sound business case is 1 crucial component of a much broader deployment process. Whatever your vision and starting point, you can secure ultra-broadband success by adopting a process that incorporates 5 steps:
Get started today
Communities around the world have transformed their economic and social future with ultra-broadband networks. Yours can be the next to do so. How can you get started? Talk to peers and engage with prospective partners and investors. Look at different technologies – fiber, wireless, or a combination of both – that can help you define and execute on a new broadband vision. Think about what skills your community needs to reap the benefits of ultra-broadband. There’s no need to wait to join the world’s elite connected communities. You can start building your ultra-broadband future today.
Related Material
Chattanooga case study
Opelika case study
Alcatel-Lucent governments web page
Municipality Rural Ultra-Broadband brochure
To contact the author or request additional information, please send an email to techzine.editor@alcatel-lucent.com.
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