Why Municipal Networks and Co-ops Should be Preferred, Not Last Resorts

October 1 – 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
Shore Room

This panel will examine how municipal and cooperative networks can provide unique benefits to communities that privately-owned networks may not. Too often, these non-profit models have been considered a last resort, rather than a legitimate pro-active choice that provides specific benefits. The argument is not that municipal and cooperative solutions are appropriate everywhere, but that in some cases they may be a logical first choice.

Speakers

Brett Schuppner

Reedsburg Utility Commission: General Manager

Christopher Mitchell

Institute for Local Self-Reliance: Director of the Telecommunications as Commons Initiative

Katie Kenbaum

Institute for Local Self-Reliance: Research Association, Community Broadband Networks Initiative