Public broadband coverage has drawn national attention for its perceived risks, but Gigi Sohn argues that the real story deserves a cautious, evidence-based look. Her Viewpoints piece contends that coverage often distorts success stories of community-owned networks, painting them as liabilities rather than local achievements that serve residents.
Arrowsic, a small town that built its own fiber network with support from federal programs and private partners, serves as a case in point. With about 85% of households subscribing to the service (200 of 235), the network has delivered fast speeds at affordable prices, challenging the notion that publicly built networks are doomed to fail.
Across the aisle, incumbents have responded with competitive pricing, including introductory offers that aim to lure customers away. Arrowsic officials acknowledge the risk of overbuild from a large provider, but the town’s take rate and price stability represent a meaningful consumer advantage that Competes with private networks rather than being written off as a lost cause.
Crucially, the Arrowsic project has not cost taxpayers a dime and carries no town debt. Officials point to a broader benefit: a community-driven model that prioritizes customer service and affordable access. By 2029, the local broadband authority is expected to pay the town $50,000 annually, a sign of long-term value beyond initial headlines.
Supporters argue that competition—whether from public or private entities—drives better service and prices for residents. The takeaway, Sohn argues, is not to abandon public broadband, but to stay the course and watch how communities like Arrowsic shape the future of connectivity.
