High-speed dependable internet is not a convenience or a luxury, but a critical tool for resilient, connected, and inclusive communities. Broadband ensures that residents have access to education, healthcare, and essential services. However, low-income neighborhoods, rural communities, and neighborhoods of color tend to have lower rates of internet access. Local governments can help close this digital divide by providing broadband networks of their own and prioritizing access over profits.
Today, we bring you our latest city spotlight showcasing Superior, WI’s new city-owned broadband network. Read on to hear from Mayor Jim Paine on how the network was established and learn how it’s already delivering service for residents and revenue for the City.
Can you please describe how this broadband network is different from what residents had access to before and how the new network operates?
The Connect Superior Broadband access network is different from our current providers in two main respects. First, it’s a fiber network, which is exponentially faster than every other internet network. Only cable comes close, but fiber provides ten times the download speed and hundreds of times the upload speed of our next fastest provider. It also doesn’t lose speed during peak hours like cable. But more importantly, Connect Superior is an “Open Access” network. This means the city owns the physical infrastructure, but private companies use that network to sell the internet to customers. This blends private sector competition and innovation with public transparency and accountability.
As Mayor, what have been the main barriers to getting the broadband network started?
Politics. While most city councilors and the public recognized the indispensable role of the internet in 21st century society, some councilors simply see it as an unnecessary luxury and a waste of money. Their arguments were supported by industry think tanks and lobbyists from the big telecoms. They also claimed that, despite being faster and more affordable than anything else available in the city, it wouldn’t attract customers.
How have you overcome these barriers?
Years of market analysis, study of other successful public networks, and inviting the public into the conversation showed that an open access fiber network was both feasible and popular. Our work helped proved that not only will a successful network not lose money, it would generate revenue for the city. The pandemic helped our argument as well. Throughout 2018 and 2019, we warned that the city was not prepared for a disaster that might require employees and students to work remotely for a few days. We never expected a disaster that sent them home for weeks and the consequences were catastrophic for our economy and public education. The failure of the private internet monopoly to meet that moment showed that the public needed to intervene.
What key successes or breakthroughs would you like to share?
The success of the network relies on paying customers. This is a voluntary service and the bills are paid by those that sign up. We hoped for a “take rate” of 10% of available customers in the first year. We met that goal in the first month. So far, the most common reason for joining is customer service. We don’t require credit cards up front or a phone call to change or cancel. You can change or eliminate your plan or providers with a single click on the website. No more long calls, sales pitches, or guilt trips.
What learning lessons would you offer to other mayors looking to implement and own broadband networks in their community?
Treat this as an investment in both your long term finances and your community’s economic potential. Built correctly, this can generate real revenue for cash starved cities and save your constituents money while providing a vital public need. Partnering with the private sector also lets them handle sales and outreach. Our providers make more money only by bringing on more customers, so they are building our network and our revenue stream without any public outreach from the city. Finally, consider the potential for growth. Modern business requires a fast and reliable internet connection. If you offer it and your neighbors don’t, your city will grow.