The Journal of Community Informatics
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2007-03-30 18:30
Community Informatics (CI) is the study and the practice of enabling communities with Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). CI seeks to work with communities towards the effective use of ICTs to improve their processes, achieve their objectives, overcome the “digital divides” that exist both within and between communities, and empower communities and citizens in the range of areas of ICT application including for health, cultural production, civic management, e-governance among others. The Journal of Community Informatics brings together a global range of academics, CI practitioners and national and multi-lateral policy makers. Each issue of the Journal of Community Informatics will contain double blind peer-reviewed research articles as well as commentaries by leading CI practitioners and policy makers.
IT+46
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2007-04-25 15:20
IT +46 was started in 2004 to take on the challenge of localizing free and open source software to Swahili. That intense experience in Africa helped the IT+46 team to define a mission of : Knowledge Transfer to the recipients. As their latest report states, “IT +46 is convinced that IT can play an important role in making development sustainable. But since information by itself is not knowledge, we aim to share knowledge rather than simply transfer information. This approach is considered in our projects from the design to the implementation and training. We work together with grassroots organizations, academia, as well as regulators in both developing and developed countries.
The company brings more than ten years of hands-on international working experience in Information Technology in the areas of:
- Education and Training in ICTs
- Free and Open Source Software Development
- Localization of Software
- Design and Implementation of fixed and wireless Infrastructure
- Voice over IP
- Network and Computer Security
- ICT Policies and Development Plans
- Energy Solutions for ICTs
CAIDA – Commons Project
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-12-04 17:26
CAIDA (Cooperative Association for Internet Data Analysis) proposes a collaboration to simultaneously solve three acute and growing problems facing the Internet: a self-reported financial crisis in the Internet infrastructure provider industry; a data acquisition crisis which has severely stunted the field of network science; and a struggle for survival within emerging community and municipal networks, who are in an ideal position to address the first two problems but often lack resources and experience to make informed operational decisions, and are also continually threatened by incumbent-driven legislation. We propose an experiment to build a cooperative national backbone to connect select community and municipal networks to each other, and to the global Internet. Peering would be conditionally available to county, state, and federal government entities, academic institutions, and community wireless initiatives.
The conditions are two-fold:
- the attached networks must make select operational data available to Internet technology and policy researchers under appropriate legal data sharing frameworks;
- the attached networks must agree to cooperatively develop and abide by policies based on confirmed results of empirical data analyses.
The proposed experiment — Cooperative Measurement and Modeling of Open Networked Systems (COMMONS) — carefully addresses the three highlighted problems, and without federal regulatory involvement, which is still feared to be a cure worse than the disease(s) even by the regulators themselves. First, by offloading from commercial providers the responsibility for supporting Internet service delivery in unprofitable areas, we will measurably improve the financial situation of these providers. Second, COMMONS offers an unprecedented opportunity to establish standards of scientific integrity in the field of Internet research — by providing rigorous empirical data against which to validate theories, models and simulations. Furthermore, because the COMMONS testbed will support public analysis of actual Internet traffic, it will inform debates on increasingly important technical, economic, policy, and social issues related to the Internet. Third, the COMMONS project not only allows struggling community networks to cost-share a financially daunting component of their operation, but it also provides a forum for the cooperating networks and the research community to share lessons learned with eachother.
OMIDYAR Network
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-12-04 17:30
“Originally, we created this tool so that everyone at Omidyar Network could share news and information; discuss different ideas and viewpoints; collaborate on documents; post announcements; sync up our calendars; and, in general, stay well informed. We found that it served us well. In fact, we wondered if others might find value in it, too. So, we decided to open it up to anyone and everyone working toward making the world a better place.
Here, you can:
- Participate in group discussions and collaborate on a wide variety of topics
- Create a home where you can collaborate and communicate with others
- Invite anyone you want to join or create discussions and workspaces
Because this isn’t a typical web site, its value depends on you. You help make omidyar.net useful to others. You help decide how it evolves. There are certain ground rules, however: We are all here because we believe in making the world a better place. We believe in treating each other with respect. We believe everyone has something to contribute. Many of you have already contributed greatly to making the world a better place. Thank you for all your efforts up until now. And thank you, in advance, for your efforts in the future.
Sweden – IT Policy Strategy Group Report
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-11-11 16:48
On 18 June 2003, the Swedish Government appointed an IT Policy Strategy Group. In addition to exercising an advisory role vis à vis the Government, the Group is to play a proactive role in efforts to achieve the IT policy goal of an information society for all. Another central task is to seek in collaboration with other players in the community to maintain Swedens leading international position at the forefront of IT development. The report of the group is here.
Bill Moyers Citizens Class (PBS television USA)
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-10-06 05:36
Public Service Television (PBS) presenter Bill Moyers, has latched onto the whole ‘open’ debate as it impacts the Internet (net neutrality) and local open access neutrality (OPLANs). The website provides a very useful overview of specific US issues and raging battles – where the citizens of various communities are being strongly opposed by the telco and cable sector in lobbying on Capitol Hill to prevent the market-driven development of OPLANs. Also contains useful streamed material and other links
How To Accelerate Your Internet: A practical guide to Bandwidth Management and Optimization using Open Source Software
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-10-17 05:04
Access to sufficient Internet bandwidth enables worldwide electronic collaboration, access to informational resources, rapid and effective communication, and grants membership to a global community. Therefore, bandwidth is probably the single most critical resource at the disposal of a modern organisation. The goal of this book is to provide practical information on how to gain the largest possible benefit from your connection to the Internet. By applying the monitoring and optimisation techniques discussed here, the effectiveness of your network can be significantly improved. We hope that you find these materials and this website useful. Please feel free to contribute your own experiences on the wiki and mailing list, and help make the next edition even better.
COOVA – Hot Spot Management
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-10-17 05:07<
In order to make Hotspot Setup and Management using off-the-shelf components a whole lot easier, Coova’s first solution is open source firmware tailor made for HotSpots. Check it out…
City of Seattle, Washington State, USA
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-10-14 18:11The Seattle City Council created, with concurrence by Mayor Greg Nickels, the Task Force on Broadband and Telecommunications in summer, 2004. The Task Force was charged to explore and report on the feasibility of using municipal resources in a network that is available to the public using broadband technologies. It reported in May 2005.
World Summits on Free Information Infrastructures
by Juergen Neumann — last modified 2006-07-14 14:33
WSFII an ongoing international process of multiple, local action oriented events which provide space for people to come together, to share experiences, present practical solutions, to learn and to build, all kinds of Free Information Infrastructures.
WirelessAnarchy
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:19
WirelessAnarchy is web resource with extensive links for anyone creating their own long range infrastructure, without, as they say “having to pay anyone or jump through government hoops. Cheaply and easily, using off the shelf equipment, and a little ingenuity, you too can create your own net.”
ING Bank – Analysts note on CityNet Amsterdam
(PDF document, 375Kb) by Damien Chew, FCA – ING — last modified 2006-03-31 12:17A excellent market summary of CityNet – the planned OPLAN for the City of Amsterdam (Netherlands). With a wealth of qualitative and quantitative information about this vanguard open access network – with ING as one of the investors, this readily accessible analyst’s note provides an informed market background to this important OPLAN initiative.
The Center for Democracy and Technology
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:15
The Center for Democracy and Technology works to promote democratic values and constitutional liberties in the digital age. With expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT seeks practical solutions to enhance free expression and privacy in global communications technologies. CDT is dedicated to building consensus among all parties interested in the future of the Internet and other new communications media.
Digital Divide Network
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:15
The Digital Divide Network is the Internet’s largest community for educators, activists, policy makers and concerned citizens working to bridge the digital divide. At DDN, you can build your own online community, publish a blog, share documents and discussions with colleagues, and post news, events and articles. You can also find the archived discussion lists of the DIGITAL DIVIDE listserv.
The Stupid Revolution, Open Networks and the Democratization of Communications by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:15
Mike Chege, an enlightened Kenyan economist living and working in Nairobi, writes a personal but very readable account of OPLANs and all that they imply. with many interesting anecdotal references. Hevaily influenced by David Isenberg. Written April 5th 2005.
Cities brace for Broadband War
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:16
This CNET News.com article by staff writers Jim Hu and Marguerite Reardon, sets the background to the battle to get an OPLAN developed in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA. Although a highly US-centric article, this is evidence of the emerging “mother of all battles” for control of the “First Mile” which Malcolm Matson has long herladed. May 2nd 2005.
The Mother of all Battles
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:14
Interviewed by Martin Waller of Telecom TV in April 2005, Malcolm Matson, President of the OPLAN Foundation gives a stark and prophetic account of what lies ahead for the global telecoms sector – chained as it is to an obsolete business model based on generating revenue by allocating ‘scarce’ network capacity – something which the digitial technologies of abundance now anihilates. Not for the feint hearted!
Wireless Leiden: Netherlands
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:16
The Wireless Leiden Foundation has established a fast wireless OPLAN for Leiden and the surrounding villages. It is an independent network, which technically links up seamlessly to the Internet, but can also be used for free local communication within the Leiden region. Wireless Leiden is a non-profit organisation, operating completely with professional volunteers and aiming at infrastructure and not services. All its software, technological and organisational knowledge is freely available to others under an open source license.
Telepocalypse.net
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:16
Martin Geddes speaks of himself, “I’m a thinker, writer, coder, inventor, agitator, irritant and consultant. If it involves the transport and manipulation of bits of information, I’m interested in it. My current work passion is understanding the effect that the end-to-end model has on telcos and the IT industry. “The Network is the Computer” presages a massive collision between these two industrial ecosystems.” Always worth visiting Telepocalypse on a regualr basis.
Local Network Costing Model – Microsoft Excel
(Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, 362Kb) by Analysis, Cambridge — last modified 2006-03-31 12:17
This spreadsheet is version 1 of the Analysys model of a third party infrastructure franchise, which was developed by Analysys with funding from Corning Developments Inc and McNicholas. You are welcome to use or develop this model for your own purposes – all that we ask is that the following text be included in any document that presents results derived using the model, or any development of it: Results presented here were derived using [a model based on] the Analysys third party infrastructure franchise model. However these results have not been derived or validated by Analysys, and are therefore solely the responsibility of [name of the organisation that derived the results]. Copyright in the model is reserved to Analysys Consulting Ltd © 2003.
The Open Spectrum Foundation
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:18
In the summer of 2004, a project named Open Spectrum International began under the auspices of the Czech Civic Association “Mista v Srdce.” The aim was to promote awareness of “open spectrum” concepts outside North America, and to advocate the expansion of the radio bands available for license-exempt use. In May 2005, it registered as a Dutch nonprofit foundation (“stichting”) with offices in Amsterdam and Prague: Stichting Open Spectrum translates into English as the Open Spectrum Foundation.
Among the Audience – Economist New Media Survey
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:19
The era of mass media is giving way to one of personal and participatory media, says Andreas Kluth. That will profoundly change both the media industry and society as a whole. This comprehensive and well written survey by Andreas Kluth is a ‘must read’. The OPLAN Foundation is in touch with Andreas who recognizes the OPLAN concept as the necessary other side of the coin. Common to both sides of the coin is the belief that “content” is really being replaced by “conversation”. As I claim, even with the narrowband SYMMETRICAL telephone network, we never talked about “content” or differentiated between ‘creators’ and ‘consumers’. So it will be, I believe, when the abundance of bandwidth reverts the world to the model – much to disruption to the few who have made a big business out of having a broadband pipe ‘out’ from them but leaving the rest of us starved.
Economic Analysis and Network Neutrality : Separating empirical facts from theoretical fiction
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:19
This Issue Brief was Prepared by Dr Trevor Roycroft (http://www.roycroftconsulting.org/) for the Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Free Press. It is a well argued case for preserving ‘network neutrailty’ and makes important links to local access infrastructure. The paper is in large measure a response to Prof Christopher Yoo’s paper, “Promoting Broadband Through Network Diversity.” February 6, 2006. Available at: http://law.vanderbilt.edu/facult/Yoo%20-%20Network%20Diversity%202-6-06.pdf
Prepared Statement of Vinton G. Cerf – Hearing on “Network Neutrality”
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:18
Prepared Statement of Vinton G. Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist Google Inc. U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Hearing on “Network Neutrality”
The World Dialogue on Regulation for Network Economies
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:18
Under the inspired leadership of Professor William (Bill) Melody, The World Dialogue on Regulation for Network Economies is concerned with regulation and governance for network economies. It conducts research, facilitates online dialogue and discussion among experts, and publishes and distributes papers, reports and other relevant information. Although not limited to telecoms or OPLAN infrastructure, WDR has become the definitive community of experts focussed on network regulation.
Tyson Ibele’s “C2B” Sony commercial
by Ingo Rau — last modified 2006-07-26 13:18Created by a 19yr old from Minneapolis (Tyson Ibele) this world class Sony commercial shows just how powerful are the tools of “digital technologies and bandwidth” in the highly creative hands of end users. Powerful intermediares (in this case, advertising agencies) can increasingly be seen for what they truly are – children of a particular technology which are being made obsolete in their current form by the disruptive digital technologies of abundance.
Why Open Spectrum Matters
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:18
This very readable note by David Weinberger sits on the Greater Democracy website. While it primarily focusses on radio spectrum, the arguments fit perfectly into the OPLAN principle. It is full of helpful and powerful images and metaphors that will aid understanding of the way in which this topic flows from, and is linked to, fundamental issues of democracy and free markets.
James Enck – EuroTelcoblog
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:16
James Enck, one of the best informed, visionary and clear-headed analysts in town and a Member of the OPLAN Foundation Council of Reference, offers in his Blog, “Reflections on developments within the European telecom sector, with an emphasis on disruptive influences and emerging business models. Views expressed are solely my own and do not reflect those of my employer” Essential reading for anyone wanting to keep in touch!
The Jeff Pulver Blog
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:16
Jeff Pulver is the Chairman and Founder of pulver.com, and one of the true pioneers of the VoIP industry. Leveraging well over a decade of hands-on experience in Internet/IP communications and innovation, Mr. Pulver is a globally renowned thought leader, author and entrepreneur. His blog is well read within the IP Communications Industry and in high-tech communities around the world. He is the publisher of The Pulver Report and VON Magazine and creator of the industry standard Voice on the Net (VON) conferences, where all sectors of IP communications come together to discuss, debate, and advance the industry. Additionally, Mr. Pulver is the founder of FWD, the VON Coalition, Global IP Alliance, Vivox, Tello, iPeerX and is the co-founder of VoIP provider, Vonage.
The Center for Internet and Society (CIS) – Stanford Law School
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:17
The Center for Internet and Society (CIS) is a public interest technology law and policy program at Stanford Law School and a part of Law, Science and Technology Program at Stanford Law School. The CIS brings together scholars, academics, legislators, students, programmers, security researchers, and scientists to study the interaction of new technologies and the law and to examine how the synergy between the two can either promote or harm public goods like free speech, privacy, public commons, diversity, and scientific inquiry. The CIS strives as well to improve both technology and law, encouraging decision makers to design both as a means to further democratic values.
The Paradox of the Best Network
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:17
Written by David Isenberg and David Weingerger, this much read and readily comprehensible ‘classic’ article sets out the original OPLAN arguments which are articulated in a highly US-centric context, many years after their original formulation in the UK. An important ‘must read’ for anyone coming to consider the implication of OPLANs from several perspectives.
Association for Community Networking
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:18The Association For Community Networking provides resources, shared learning, and experienced guidance to help communities and organizations use information and communications technologies effectively.
FCC’s resource for tribal governments
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-26 13:18
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recognizes that the telecommunications penetration rate on many tribal lands falls far below the national average. It has taken a series of steps, through regulatory action, consumer information and tribal outreach, to address the lack of telecommunications deployment and subscribership throughout Indian Country. The Commission promotes the availability of telecommunications services to individuals on tribal lands and various publications and resources are available here.
Dewayne Hendricks, “Towards Open Spectrum”
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-08-17 12:08
VIDEO : Dewayne Hendricks, major US advocate for open spectrum and OPLAN Foundation Council of Reference Member, presents to the ABC2 Conference “Revolution at the Edge: Broadband Networks and Innovation” held inLondon, England. “”We can’t afford to lose another 20 years” he concludes, after highlighting the early 1980s phase of spread-spectrum innovation in the United States that signalled the paradigm shift to shared spectrum use beyond the property real estate model, the subsequent prevalence of spectrum politics over spectrum technology, the unintended consequences of un-licensed spectrum access, and the current promise of cognitive radios and shared spectrum use across bands.
OneVillage Foundation
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-08-15 12:57
OVF sees the challenge and opportunity of using Information Communication Technology (ICT) to address World Urgent Issues, by providing a platform for an integrated approach to sustainable development. People have lost, or stopped practicing, the knowledge of sustainable living. Our mission is to connect art, science and education with proactive, hands on, community oriented actions on the ground that promote more sustainable ways of living in both developing and developed parts of the world. We are devoted to increasing collaboration and access to ICT in under-served communities, facilitating local content creation and dissemination, and building bridges among digital and physical communities globally.
Seamless Freedom: The Wireless Revolution
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-08-17 11:57
VIDEO : Peter Cochrane (OPLAN Foundation Council of Reference member) gives the keynote presentation to The Wireless Event, London, 18 May 2006. A visionary comment on the future.
The WiFiSoft.org Foundation
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-08-17 13:34
Based in the Netherlands, The WifiSoft.org Foundation initiates and stimulates local and international cooperation between communities that administrate a public wireless network. Wifisoft.org achieves and facilitates cooperation between Wireless Communities via the Internet. We organize and facilitate lectures and hands-on workshops. Next to this Wifisoft.org develops and maintains open source software. The Foundation hosts the annual Wireless Community Camp which takes place in the first week of August (2-6 August 2006). These five days there are meant to facilitate a knowledge exchange about how to start up wireless communities.
Open Spectrum – an exhaustive resource on global license exempt spectrum
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-07-29 16:36 An extremely extensive source of information about ‘open spectrum’ and its implementation (or otherwise) in almost every country around the globe. Developed and maintained by the Open Spectrum Foundation (Stichting Open Spectrum) in Amsterdam and Prague, this is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to understand the topic and what is going on around the world in relation to it.
Internet Summit – Austria, September 2006
(PDF document, 2501Kb) by Rod Mitchell — last modified 2006-09-18 21:32
Rod Mitchel’s presentation at the Internet Summit in Vienna on 20th September, 2006 (http://www.ispa.at/www/getFile.php?id=729)
Keynote presentation to the Fryslân conference
by Malcolm Matson— last modified 2007-03-05 11:19
In November 2006, one of the most digitally enlightened and enabled rural communities in the European Union, the Province of Fryslân in the north of The Netherlands, held a major conference in Leeuwarden to consider the economic challenges and opportunities facing similar communities in the digital age. A keynote presentation was made to the conference by Malcolm Matson of the OPLAN Foundation and this can be viewed here. (Leeuwarden has an advanced ICT Center <http://www.ictcenter.nl/> – where the OPLAN website is hosted)
Djurslands.net : in-depth study for InfoDev
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2007-04-27 08:00
The In-Depth Case study covering the Djurslands.net experience was prepared as part of the OPLAN Foundation’s project undertaken for InfoDev at the World Bank. This study is of 7 open access network initiatives around the world selected by the OPLAN Foundation as being beacon projects. As founder of DjurslandS.net and educational leader of the “Djursland International Institute of Rural Wireless Broadband” Bjarke Nielsen has written the report on behalf of the Djursland society.
The Prometheus Radio Project
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-12-24 17:34
The Prometheus Radio Project (PRP) is a non-profit organization founded by a small group of radio activists in 1998. They believe that a free, diverse, and democratic media is critical to the political and cultural health of a civil society, yet the reality sees unprecedented levels of consolidation, homogenization, and restriction in the media landscape. PRP works toward a future characterized by easy access to media outlets and a broad, exciting selection of cultural and informative media resources. Its primary focus is on building a large community of LPFM stations and listeners. PRP hopes that this community will grow into a powerful force working toward a widespread democratic media future. Toward that end, PRP supports community groups at every stage of the process of building community radio stations, facilitate public participation in the FCC regulatory process, and sponsor events promoting awareness and support of media democracy and LPFM radio.
Images of Amsterdam’s Citynet under construction
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-11-13 13:58
A series of images taken throughout the day showing the various elements and stages of the meticulous constructiona dn re-instatement in an Amsterdam of the Citynet fibre OPLAN.
<Free Culture> – Lawrence Lessig
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2007-03-12 13:38
On July 24, 2002, Lawrence Lessig gave this ‘classic’ presentation at the O.Reilly Open Source Conference. Lawrence Lessig is a Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and founder of the school’s Center for Internet and Society. Prior to joining the Stanford faculty, he was the Berkman Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, and a Professor at the University of Chicago. He clerked for Judge Richard Posner on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and Justice Antonin Scalia on the United States Supreme Court. Professor Lessig represented web site operator Eric Eldred in the ground-breaking case Eldred v. Ashcroft, a challenge to the 1998 Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act. He has won numerous awards, including the Free Software Foundation’s Freedom Award, and was named one of Scientific American’s Top 50 Visionaries, for arguing “against interpretations of copyright that could stifle innovation and discourse online.” Professor Lessig is the author of Free Culture (2004), The Future of Ideas (2001) and Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace (1999). He chairs the Creative Commons project, and serves on the board of the Free Software Foundation, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Public Library of Science, and Public Knowledge. He is also a columnist for Wired. Professor Lessig earned a BA in economics and a BS in management from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA in philosophy from Cambridge, and a JD from Yale. Professor Lessig teaches and writes in the areas of constitutional law, contracts, and the law of cyberspace.
So what is an OPLAN?
(PDF document, 18Kb) by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2007-01-08 09:17
A one page summary of the key defining characteristics of an OPLAN as considered by The OPLAN Foundation.
An overview of Fiber in Europe – June 2007
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2007-08-15 05:03
Written by Dirk van der Woude, of Citynet in Amsterdam, this note provides a wealth of information about the main fiber projects around Europe. Not all are based on OPLAN principles, but this affords a very thorough overview of the status, mid 2007.
INEC Website
by Ricardo Krikke — last modified 2007-09-28 11:55
The organizations wensite of the International Network of E-Communities
Municipal Provision of Wireless Internet – FTC Staff Report
by Malcolm Matson — last modified 2006-12-22 20:57
An extensive historical, technical and political summary of the development of MuniWireless in the USA. Published in September 2006 by staff members of the Federal Trade Commission, USA. The Summary CONCLUSIONS: The decision of whether, and through what vehicle, a municipality should facilitate or provide wireless Internet service requires a highly fact-specific analysis that is not amenable to a one-size-fits-all policy recommendation. For example, the situation of a large metropolitan area served by multiple wireline telecommunications providers and high-speed cellular Internet technology is quite different from that of a small rural town with only one or no wireline telecommunications providers and low-speed cellular service. Moreover, municipalities offer their residents varying levels of governmental services, some of which may potentially be supported more efficiently through the addition of a wireless Internet network. Accordingly, rather than attempt to provide a single answer, this report provides guidance for policymakers considering whether and how a municipality should involve itself in the provision of wireless Internet service. It sets forth a framework that recognizes that the relevance of arguments for and against municipal involvement may vary depending on the particular factual circumstances. In addition, by identifying a range of operating models, the framework suggests a variety of options available to policymakers. Guiding this approach is a concern for competition principles, and the framework’s overall approach attempts to reduce the likelihood of competitive harm in this area. Finally, the report discusses process considerations, such as transparency and accountability, that can improve the decision making process overall.
