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The Role of Local Authorities. A Perspective from Across the United States By Sonja Reece Mayor Pro Tem, Normal, Illinois. Local Elected Leaders Role. Assure essential services are provided Business, citizens drivers for broadband Majority US cities just becoming aware
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The Role of Local Authorities A Perspective from Across the United States By Sonja Reece Mayor Pro Tem, Normal, Illinois
Local Elected Leaders Role • Assure essential services are provided • Business, citizens drivers for broadband • Majority US cities just becoming aware • Pres. Bush set goal: “Universal, affordable broadband access by 2007” • Will be up to locals to design and implement
Public vs. Private Providers • Prohibited • Arkansas • Missouri • Nebraska • Nevada • Pennsylvania • Texas • Limited • Florida • Minnesota • South Carolina • Tennessee • Utah • Virginia • Washington • Wisconsin • Big issue in US • Large private providers oppose public role • 14 of 50 states prohibit/limit public providers
12 states considered but chose not to prohibit cities • Private providers have taken the issue to the national level • Elected official’s role to keep city’s options open • NLC supports S. 1294, the Community Broadband Act, introduced June 2005 by Senators Lautenberg (D-NJ) and McCain (R-AZ) The issue is in Congress
Why Elected Officials Interested • Economic Development Princeton, Illinois • Higher quality of life Loma Linda, California • Used for core municipal services Corpus Christi, Texas • Critical during disasters Hurricane Katrina
Various Models Used by Cities • Existing public utilities Cable, Phone, Electric Power • Public/private partnerships City install infrastructure Private provider manage technology Share revenue • City offered as new utility City can not apply ordinance to favor itself • Using various technologies Existing phone, cable, power lines Fiber to the home, wireless
Basic Expectations of Local Government • Affordable • Dependable • Connects city services • Mobility is important • Vital service so must be offered to all schools, health care
More expectations • Customer service at local level • Build out to all city residents • Service to both rural and small urban areas • Active competition is welcomed