Community Owned Internet Networks offer local governments a cost-effective solution by eliminating the profit-driven motives of traditional ISPs. These networks allow for greater control over pricing, ensuring affordable, high-speed Internet access tailored to the community’s specific needs. By reinvesting any surplus back into the network, these models support continuous upgrades and expansions, enhancing public services like emergency response, education, and smart city initiatives. Local governments can address digital equity, stimulate economic growth, and provide reliable Internet access, all while maintaining local oversight and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Community Network in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a prime example of a successful Community Owned Internet Network implementation that has resulted in significant cost savings and improved public services. The city’s Electric Power Board (EPB) launched a municipally owned fiber-optic network that provides gigabit-speed Internet to residents and businesses. This network, often dubbed “The Gig,” has transformed Chattanooga into one of the most connected cities in the U.S.
Cost Savings and Economic Impact:
- Attracting Businesses: The high-speed, reliable Internet has attracted numerous tech companies and startups, boosting the local economy and creating jobs.
- Smart Grid: EPB integrated the fiber network with a smart grid, which improved energy efficiency and reduced outage times, saving millions of dollars in utility costs.
Improved Public Services:
- Smart City Initiatives: Chattanooga has used its broadband network to implement various smart city technologies, including intelligent traffic management systems that reduce congestion and improve public safety.
- Digital Inclusion Programs: The city has launched several digital inclusion initiatives, providing affordable Internet access to low-income households and offering digital literacy training to bridge the digital divide.
Chattanooga’s community-owned network has not only reduced costs and improved public services but also positioned the city as a model for other municipalities looking to achieve similar outcomes.