by Becca Vargo Daggett, Director, Telecommunications as Commons Initiative, January 2007 AND the Institute for Local Self-Reliance
As municipal wireless projects are launched in cities, towns and villages throughout the United States, hundreds more are commencing discussion on the possibilities of building a network in their own area. When considering a network, one of the first points of discussion tends to be the consideration of ownership models. Some municipalities consider the importance of ownership more deliberately than others. Many, in fact, are seduced by the supposed ease and expertise the private proposals often promise. However, the following report, written by Becca Vargo Daggett, argues against the promises of private ownership and calls us to consider the discussion of ownership more deliberately, suggesting, "They [local government] do themselves a disservice if they do not seriously explore the costs and benefits of a publicly owned network." In defense of a public owned model, Daggett puts forth a five-pronged argument: (1) "High-speed information networks are essential public infrastructure." (2) "Public ownership ensures competition." (3) "Publicly owned networks can generate significant revenue." (4) "Public ownership can ensure universal access." (5) "Public owner-ship can ensure non-discriminatory networks." For an in-depth discussion of these arguments, download the full document: http://www.newrules.org/info/5ways.pdf