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Meet the latest addition to our team – Emma Hjalmarsson Wahlström

 

 

Meet Our Team – Quick Q&A with Emma 

Tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you, and what is your background?

Hi! I’m Emma, born in Umeå in northern Sweden. I recently made a big life change—from hairdresser to software engineer. I took a two-year program in .NET System Development with AI competence, a hands-on education where we started building projects right away. It was incredibly fun and rewarding, and it really sparked my passion for development. I graduated in 2023 and have since worked at a startup, where I got to apply and grow my new skills. And now I’m thrilled to be here at a global, well-established company, continuing my journey as a Junior Software Engineer at COS.

What caught your interest in COS Systems?

Before I applied, I’d heard great things about COS from people who had worked with some of the employees here. When I walked into the office for my interview, everyone was so welcoming and warm—that feeling only grew stronger at my second interview. COS is a well-established company with a solid, well-structured system that I truly respect. The employees seem perfectly suited to their roles, and it’s clear everyone genuinely enjoys what they do.

What are your goals for the coming months?

I want to learn as much as possible about the company as a whole and grow into my role as a Junior Developer. I’m naturally curious and love understanding how things work. I’m also excited to get to know my colleagues—both here in Sweden and across other continents—and to better understand what everyone is working on at COS.

Why should people contact you and press the “connect with Emma” button?

I’m still new to the company and to my role as a Junior Developer, so I might not always be the right person for work-related questions just yet. But I do love a good chat, and if I can make someone smile, that makes my day. My hairdressing background means I’m naturally tuned in to listening and staying open to any kind of conversation. I’ve learned that when you do that, you often discover things you’d never have looked for on your own.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I pick up different dialects terrifyingly fast—it honestly embarrasses me sometimes! I’ll be mid-conversation and suddenly realize I’m talking just like the person I’m with. Help!
I also lived for a year in Barcelona, and I spent some time living in Hemavan, a ski resort in northern Sweden, while working in Mo i Rana, Norway. Fun fact: the road between Hemavan and Mo i Rana is only about 10 miles, but it’s incredibly tough to drive. Some days the road completely disappeared under the snow, and once I was even chased by a moose (true story!). They’re way faster than you’d think—I had to speed off in my car to get away!

If you could swap jobs with anyone at COS Systems for a day, who would it be and why?

Since I’m still new, I haven’t learned exactly what everyone does yet. But from what I’ve seen, I’d choose Maren Buchmüller, Head of Marketing—just to try something completely different. It also seems like a lot of fun!

What’s your go-to productivity hack when things get busy?

Headphones on and 8D music—it’s magical how focused I become. I also make sure to take short breaks throughout the day; I prefer many small ones rather than one long break, and I always try to get some fresh air.

If you could instantly become an expert in one new skill, what would it be?

I’d love to instantly become an expert in more programming languages, cybersecurity, and machine learning.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long workday?

An audiobook while I’m driving or out for a walk is my go-to. A good workout—or a good meal paired with a great TV show—also helps me relax after a long day.

Lastly, what’s one word your friends or colleagues would use to describe you?

  •  Caring.

Welcome aboard Emma!

CONNECT WITH EMMA
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Neutral Host Network: The Future of Shared Connectivity

Published: September 24, 2025

What is a Neutral Host Network?

Ever wonder why some areas have only one internet provider while others have more choice?

That’s where a neutral host network comes in. It’s a broadband network built to be open to multiple service providers. Think of it like a highway that anyone can drive on instead of private access roads.

The network owner focuses on building and delivering the infrastructure. Providers focus on providing their services on top of that shared infrastructure. Communities get choice, competition, and coverage.

Why Communities and Providers Care

  • Communities want affordable, reliable broadband.
  • Providers want to expand without crushing infrastructure costs.
  • Residents and businesses want options—not just one ISP.

A neutral host network checks all three boxes. It’s built for scale, flexibility, and shared use. That’s why more local governments, utilities, and private partners are looking at this model.

The Problems Neutral Host Networks Solve

  • High build costs – fiber and wireless deployments are capital intensive.
  • Limited competition – one provider often dominates a market.
  • Slow expansion – small ISPs struggle to break in.
  • Funding pressure – federal and state programs demand sustainable solutions.

Neutral host networks help overcome each of these.

How Neutral Host Networks Work in Practice

Here’s the simple version:

  • One network, many tenants
  • A neutral host (city, utility, or private company) builds, maintains, and operates the infrastructure.
  • Multiple service providers lease capacity and compete to serve end users.

It’s not theory—it’s already happening in the U.S. and abroad.

Benefits for Providers, Communities, and End Users

For providers:

  • Lower entry costs
  • Faster time to market
  • No need to duplicate infrastructure

For communities:

  • Long-term ownership of critical infrastructure
  • More providers = competition drives innovation in products and services
  • Attracts businesses and talent

For end users:

  • More choice
  • Better prices
  • Improved service quality

Funding and Sustainability: Making it Real

Federal programs like BEAD, ARPA, and CPF are pouring billions into broadband. But money alone doesn’t solve sustainability.

Here’s what makes a neutral host network last:

  • Open access policies that attract providers
  • Scalable platforms to manage services and billing
  • Community buy-in to keep adoption high

Without these, even funded projects risk stalling.

Stories from the Field

When I worked with state broadband offices, one pattern stood out: Projects controlled by a single provider often ran into roadblocks—slower builds, higher costs, and limited competition. But when communities adopted open access or neutral host models, progress accelerated.

Take Kitsap Public Utility District in Washington State.
Operating a fully open-access fiber network since 2016 and powered by COS Systems, Kitsap PUD has become a leading example of how neutral host models can drive digital equity in rural and underserved areas.

  • 400+ miles of fiber deployed
  • 6,000+ premises passed and growing
  • Multiple ISPs on the network, offering true customer choice
  • Take rates exceeding 40% in some areas, far above national averages for new fiber builds

By leveraging COS Business Engine to automate service provisioning, manage multi-ISP workflows, and streamline customer support through the customer portal, Kitsap PUD reduced operational complexity and enabled faster onboarding of ISPs. The result? Competitive pressure that improved service offerings and reduced costs for residents—without duplicating infrastructure.

This isn’t a theoretical model—it’s a functioning, scalable, and sustainable network that’s helping close the digital divide one community at a time.

That’s the power of the neutral host model in action.

What to Watch for Next

The neutral host network isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the backbone of digital equity. Expect to see:

  • More public-private partnerships
  • More municipal, utility, and public sector network infrastructure ownership
  • Platforms that simplify multi-provider network management

The future isn’t about one provider owning the road. It’s about building the road together—and letting everyone drive on it.

— Adam Puckett, VP Sales Americas @ COS Systems

Do you want to learn more or to explore how COS Systems can help you launch or optimize a neutral host fiber network?

Contact Adam today!

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The Rise of Neutral Hosts in the Digital Infrastructure Value Chain

Published: September 15, 2025

A Turning Point for Broadband: Ownership, Access, and Innovation

The global telecommunications and broadband infrastructure landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation. As capital demands for building and upgrading high-capacity networks continue to surge, traditional models of vertically integrated ownership are proving economically unsustainable.

Enter the neutral host: a scalable, cost-efficient model that is now redefining how broadband infrastructure is deployed, financed, and utilized.

The Evolution of the Neutral Host Model

Since the early 2000s, operators have taken incremental steps toward infrastructure sharing, initially through joint ventures and structural separations (e.g., InfraCos and ServiceCos). What began as tower-sharing has now expanded into a robust ecosystem of neutral hosts covering:

  • Fiber broadband networks (FTTx)
  • Open access platforms
  • Edge and in-building infrastructure
  • Data centers and satellite ground stations
  • Government-sponsored wholesale networks

Notably, models like Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) and Malaysia’s Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) show how public-private collaboration can successfully catalyze the neutral host model. However, it is the expansion of open access fiber networks, often underpinned by software-driven operational platforms like COS Business Engine, that has brought neutrality from niche to necessity.

COS Systems’ Role: Enabling Open Access at Scale

At COS Systems, we specialize in enabling neutral open access fiber networks through our end-to-end SaaS platform. The COS Business Engine provides the automation, service orchestration, and financial transparency necessary for infrastructure owners to lease wholesale access to multiple ISPs—without sacrificing neutrality, performance, or customer experience.

This software-driven neutrality supports everything from service catalog integration and SLA management to automated billing and provisioning—drastically reducing operational overhead while maximizing service diversity and tenant revenue.

Market Forces Driving Neutral Hosts Forward

Several macroeconomic and technological forces are accelerating this shift:

  • ROI Pressures: Infrastructure investors seek long-term utility-like returns. Neutral host models—with their higher tenancy ratios and lower per-user costs—offer predictable income streams.
  • Policy Support: Regulators across the EU, US, and parts of Africa are actively promoting wholesale and open access models to increase broadband competition and close the digital divide.
  • Technology Shifts: The movement toward network virtualization, AI-powered network management, and 5G/6G-ready infrastructure favors modular ownership models where neutrality is essential for cross-industry applications.

Legal and Commercial Considerations: Navigating the Complexity

For ISPs and Service Providers:

  • Loss of Infrastructure Control: Dependence on neutral hosts requires robust SLAs and assurances to meet customer expectations, particularly in mission-critical use cases.
  • Margin Pressure: Retail pricing flexibility may be constrained by fixed wholesale access fees, requiring careful contract negotiation.
  • Compliance Allocation: Data protection, lawful intercept, and infrastructure obligations must be clearly divided between hosts and service providers.

For Neutral Host Owners:

  • Sale-Leaseback Complexity: Transitions must balance autonomy with anchor tenant requirements for performance and pricing.
  • Operational Independence: Neutral hosts must be fully operational on day one—either through in-house capabilities or transitional agreements.
  • Vendor and SLA Coordination: Active services increase the complexity of coordinating across vendors, tenants, and platforms.

Regulatory Dynamics: Global Variability, Shared Uncertainty

Regulation of neutral hosts varies significantly across regions. In some jurisdictions, they are regulated as carriers or critical infrastructure providers. Others are still defining appropriate legal and operational frameworks.

COS Systems supports stakeholders in navigating this uncertainty through proven deployment strategies that comply with regional telecom, privacy, and infrastructure standards.

Conclusion: Neutrality as an Innovation Driver

The rise of neutral hosts marks a foundational shift in how broadband infrastructure is owned, operated, and monetized. Enabled by platforms like COS Business Engine, this model allows fiber owners to scale infrastructure investments while enabling a competitive and innovative retail ecosystem.

As demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity increases—especially in underserved and rural regions—the neutral host model emerges not only as a viable solution but a critical enabler of digital equity, economic development, and service innovation.

With COS Systems, infrastructure owners and operators gain the tools to deploy and manage neutral, automated, and future-proof broadband networks that deliver on both financial and societal ROI.

Related COS Capabilities

For more information or to explore how COS Systems can help you launch or optimize a neutral host fiber network, get in touch with our team.

Learn more and book your demo today!
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What is a Neutral Host Network?

Neutral Host Network: The Future of Shared Connectivity

What is a Neutral Host Network?

Ever wonder why some areas have only one internet provider while others have more choice?
That’s where a neutral host network comes in.
It’s a broadband network built to be open to multiple service providers.
Think of it like a highway that anyone can drive on instead of private toll roads.
The network owner focuses on infrastructure.
Providers focus on services.
Communities get choice, competition, and coverage.

Why Communities and Providers Care

Cities want affordable, reliable broadband.
Providers want to expand without crushing infrastructure costs.
Residents want options—not just one ISP.
A neutral host network checks all three boxes.
It’s built for scale, flexibility, and shared use.
That’s why more local governments and private partners are looking at this model.

The Problems Neutral Host Networks Solve

Broadband expansion has some real challenges:

  • High build costs – fiber and wireless deployments are expensive.
  • Limited competition – one provider often dominates a market.
  • Slow expansion – small ISPs struggle to break in.
  • Funding pressure – federal and state programs demand sustainable solutions.
    Neutral host networks help overcome each of these.

How Neutral Host Networks Work in Practice

Here’s the simple version:

  • One network, many tenants
  • A neutral host (city, utility, or private company) builds and maintains the infrastructure.
  • Multiple service providers lease capacity and compete to serve end users.
    It’s not theory—it’s already happening in the U.S. and abroad.

Benefits for Providers, Cities, and End Users

For providers:

  • Lower entry costs
  • Faster time to market
  • No need to duplicate infrastructure

For cities:

  • Long-term ownership of critical infrastructure
  • More providers = more digital equity
  • Attracts businesses and talent

For end users:

  • More choice
  • Better prices
  • Improved service quality

Funding and Sustainability: Making it Real

Federal programs like BEAD, ARPA, and CPF are pouring billions into broadband.
But money alone doesn’t solve sustainability.

Here’s what makes a neutral host network last:

  • Open access policies that attract providers
  • Scalable platforms to manage services and billing
  • Community buy-in to keep adoption high. Without these, even funded projects risk stalling.

Stories from the Field

When I worked with state broadband offices, one pattern stood out.
Projects with single-provider control often hit roadblocks.
But when communities set up open access or neutral host models, things moved faster.
Example: A small Midwest city used federal funds to build shared fiber.
Within months, three ISPs signed on.
Competition drove prices down by 20%.
That’s the power of the model.

What to Watch for Next

The neutral host network isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the backbone of digital equity.
Expect to see:

  • More public-private partnerships
  • Wireless neutral hosts powering 5G small cells
  • Platforms that simplify multi-provider network management
    The future isn’t about one provider owning the road.
    It’s about building the road together—and letting everyone drive on it.

Learn more

Open Access Broadband Solutions

COS Business Engine

NTIA BEAD Program

FCC Broadband Data

 

Learn more and contact us today!
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Meet the latest addition to our team – Dustin Dvorak

 

Meet Our Team – Quick Q&A with Dustin Dvorak

Tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you, and what is your background?

  • Born and raised in Fort Worth, TX
  • Programming computers for over 30 years
  • Bible Student in college at Dallas Baptist University where I also studied Linguistics, Math, and Computer Science
  • Served as a Communications Officer in the United States Marine Corps where I led the top 3 emergency response communications teams for the Pacific Theatre Area of Operations based out of Okinawa, Japan including Operation Tomodachi in 2011
  • Consulted in Energy, IT,  Telecom, and Non-Profit
  • Executive MBA from TCU in 2015
  • Co-founded Element8 Internet in 2015 and led the technology department as CIO/CTO through multiple iterations up to a 200bn capital raise with Digital Alpha Fund in 2023

What caught your interest in COS Systems?

  • While consulting for PRIME Fiber, I met COS’ CTO Sajan and CEO Mikael as a customer.
  • Quickly impressed with the teamwork, culture, and sophistication of the WE and FSM platforms.
  • The emphasis on automating business processes and operations in telecom, along with open access and interoperability, very much align with my own vision for my life’s work.

What are your goals for the coming months?

  • Wrangle the Customer Success Team Projects (and all associated Task-bunnies that tend to multiply rapidly!)
  • Increase team-wide efficiencies from Customer Feedback to Product Engineering
  • Make friends with my new teammates!

Why should people contact you and press the “connect with Dustin” button?

  • I can help with the entire software stack and development lifecycle, from managing infrastructure to writing code, pull requests, and documentation.
  • I am an expert in Strategic/Operational/Tactical planning.
  • I think in terms of force multiplication and greatest impact (probably because I am naturally lazy, so I want an AI that just does my entire job for me!)

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

  • I have a diverse range of interests, including computers, math, science, theology, and history.
  • Built my first computer at the age of 6 and my first Hello World program at 8!

If you could swap jobs with anyone at COS Systems for a day, who would it be and why?

  • Every single team member in a rotating round-robin to understand their needs, pain-points, and workflows.
  • Mikael because he seems like a lot of fun – so I would want to be his assistant for a day.
  • Jessica/Fannie/Spencer because they all know so much about their respective roles.
  • I don’t want to ‘swap’ jobs with Regian for a day – just hang out and play D&D with him all day while working alongside him on support tickets!

What’s your go-to productivity hack when things get busy?

  • Focus is key; only do the next right thing.
  • Slow is smooth; smooth is fast; fast is lethal.

If you could instantly become an expert in one new skill, what would it be?

  • Functional neurology and chiropractic care; this has been a life-changing treatment in my own well-being as a combat veteran and I would love to serve other veterans as well as missionaries and the persecuted church around the world.
  • Within my current role and career path – I would love to become an expert in the toolchains for AI/ML as well as DSLs.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long workday?

  • I love spending time with my wife, mother, and two girls!
  • I enjoy training our new puppy Montana.
  • Watching anime – IYKYK – enough said.

Lastly, what’s one word your friends or colleagues would use to describe you?

  • Ridiculous!

Welcome aboard Dustin!

CONNECT WITH DUSTIN
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Myth #1: Can Local Governments Run Broadband Networks? Yes—And They Already Do

MYTH #1: Governments Can’t Run Broadband Networks Efficiently

Let’s talk about a myth that just won’t die.

“Cities aren’t cut out to run broadband networks.”

You’ve probably heard that line before—at a conference, in an op-ed, maybe even from someone on your own team.
It sounds reasonable, right? You think of long DMV lines, clunky municipal websites, and forms in triplicate.

But here’s the truth:
Cities already manage infrastructure more complex—and more mission-critical—than broadband.

Water. Electricity. Traffic systems. Public safety networks.

If They Can Run 9-1-1, They Can Handle Wi-Fi

Let’s put it in perspective. Across the U.S., hundreds of municipalities already:

  • Own and lease dark fiber to schools, hospitals, and ISPs
  • Run internal broadband networks linking city buildings and public services
  • Meet strict federal security standards, like CJIS compliance
  • Maintain networks for critical systems: water treatment, traffic lights, libraries, and emergency communications

If a city can support police radios and traffic systems with 99.999% uptime,
it can absolutely manage broadband billing and get a tech to install a router.

What Is a Broadband Network, Really?

Let’s demystify it.

Broadband is a utility. Just like power or water, it’s infrastructure plus service.

At its core, a broadband network includes:

  • Fiber infrastructure (or other tech like fixed wireless)
  • Customer onboarding (signups, provisioning)
  • Billing and support systems
  • A technical stack to keep it all running

Sound familiar? That’s exactly what cities already manage in other areas of public service.

Efficiency Doesn’t Mean Doing It All Alone

Critics love to paint this picture:
A mayor climbing a utility pole.
A city clerk resetting a router.

But that’s not how it works.

Cities partner. They outsource. They use modern platforms to automate.

Today’s municipal broadband projects use:

  • SaaS platforms like COS Business Engine to run operations and provisioning
  • Integrated billing systems tied to water, sewer, and electric utilities
  • A customer portal for self-service, ticketing, and communication
  • Coordinated field service tools for installs, repairs, and maintenance

The question isn’t “Can government do it all?”
It’s “Can government lead the charge—and choose the right partners?”

Absolutely.

Cities Already Manage High-Stakes Infrastructure

Let’s stack up broadband next to other services cities already run:

Service Complexity Uptime Required Staff Needed
Drinking Water High 24/7 Licensed crews
Electricity Very High 99.99% Grid operators
Public Safety Comms Critical 100% Secure IT teams
Broadband High 24/7 Small team with SaaS + partners

Local governments aren’t new to infrastructure. They’re built for it.

The only difference now? They’re offering it to residents and small businesses, not just internal departments.

What About the Municipal Broadband “Failures”?

We’ve all heard the stories.

Critics love pointing to the projects that struggled—like iProvo or UTOPIA in the early days.

But here’s what those critics don’t usually mention:

  • These projects launched before scalable platforms and best practices were available
  • Many lacked proper business models or operational tools
  • Despite setbacks, they connected underserved homes, drove down prices, and attracted new investment

Most of those communities still call their networks a success.

And today’s broadband landscape has completely changed.

With tools like COS Business Engine, cities now:

  • Launch faster and more efficiently
  • Automate service delivery and billing
  • Offer real-time support and self-service
  • Integrate broadband into existing utility systems

Municipal broadband is no longer a gamble.
With the right tools, it’s a smart, scalable solution.

Municipalities Filling the Gaps

Cities aren’t trying to be tech companies.
They’re stepping in where private industry hasn’t—rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, and unprofitable markets.

Municipal broadband is about:

  • Creating competition where none exists
  • Serving every household, not just the profitable ones
  • Making internet affordable and accessible
  • Enabling participation in modern society
  • Using technology and partnerships to do it efficiently

This is public service at its best.

Don’t Let Assumptions Block Progress

Saying “governments can’t run broadband” is like saying “cities can’t build roads.”

Not only is it inaccurate—it’s harmful.
It stops communities from exploring real solutions to long-standing challenges.

Local leaders already safeguard public health, safety, and critical infrastructure.
Broadband is just the next step—and they’re ready to lead.

Coming Next:

Myth #2: “Municipal Broadband Is Too Expensive and Risky for Taxpayers”

Learn more and contact us today!
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Myth #2: Is Municipal Broadband Too Expensive and Risky for Taxpayers

Myth #2: Municipal Broadband Is Too Expensive and Risky for Taxpayers

“Won’t this cost taxpayers millions?” That question can stall a city council meeting. But it leaves out the real story. Municipal broadband doesn’t have to be a burden. Cities across the U.S. are proving it’s not only possible—it’s sustainable.

Broadband Is Infrastructure

Building fiber isn’t cheap. Neither are roads, water systems, or electricity grids. Communities invest in them because they’re essential. Broadband has become just as critical. Treating it as a gamble misses the point.

Proof From the Field

Municipal broadband isn’t an experiment—it’s already succeeding.

  • Fairlawn, Ohio: Launched FairlawnGig in 2016, now enjoys a take rate above 90%.

  • Chattanooga, Tennessee: The first “Gig City.” Its fiber network delivered $2.7 billion in economic benefits and thousands of jobs.

  • UTOPIA Fiber, Utah: Covering 20+ cities with 15 ISPs, proving open access can scale.

These aren’t exceptions—they’re examples.

Funding Without Tax Hikes

Most networks didn’t depend on federal grants alone. Cities used smart financing:

  • Revenue Bonds: Paid back by network income, not general taxes.

  • Public-Private Partnerships: Share risk and expertise while keeping long-term control.

  • Phased Rollouts: Start small, expand with revenue, reduce upfront costs.

The model matters more than the myth.

The Bigger Cities Are On Board

It’s not just small towns.

  • Oakland, California: Planning one of the nation’s largest city-owned fiber networks.

  • Colorado Springs, Colorado: Rolling out a massive open-access build.

This isn’t theory. It’s happening now.

The Real Risk: Doing Nothing

Communities that delay face slow internet, overpriced monopolies, and economic stagnation. Inaction costs more than investment. Cities already manage utilities, power, and safety networks—broadband fits right in.

Broadband Pays Off

Well-run networks generate consistent income, pay down debt, attract businesses, and raise property values—all while delivering better service at lower costs. That’s not risk. That’s return on investment.

Smarter Investment, Not Bigger Risk

Cities that succeed:

  • Align broadband plans with community goals

  • Use modern automation tools like COS Business Engine

  • Phase rollouts to match demand

  • Protect taxpayers through financing strategies

  • Learn from proven examples

Municipal broadband isn’t reckless spending. It’s smart infrastructure planning.

The question isn’t “What will it cost?” but “What’s the cost of doing nothing?” Municipal broadband is not a bet. It’s a blueprint—and cities nationwide are already building it.

 Up Next: Myth #3: Private ISPs Already Provide Service—Municipal Broadband Is Redundant.

Learn more and contact us today!
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Myth #3: Is Municipal Broadband Redundant?

Myth #3: Private ISPs Already Provide Service—Municipal Broadband Is Redundant

It sounds reasonable.
If Comcast, AT&T, or another ISP is in town, why bother?
Except—try asking families at the edge of the map or neighborhoods skipped for upgrades.

“Served” Is a Generous Word

The FCC calls an area “served” if one house can theoretically get the advertised speed from one provider.
That’s how maps light up with color, while reality looks like this:

  • Homes listed as covered that can’t get connected at all.

  • Speeds that drop to unusable levels every evening.

  • Outages dragging on for days.

  • Monopolies raising prices because there’s no competition.

On paper it’s service.
In practice it’s frustration.

The Real World vs. The Map

  • Rural towns: One ISP claims coverage for everyone. In reality, only houses near the highway can connect.

  • Low-income neighborhoods: “Discount plans” exist, but only if residents have credit cards, spotless payment records, and no prior debt. Entire neighborhoods are left last for upgrades.

  • Suburbs: New housing developments wait months—or years—for service because private ISPs don’t see enough return on investment.

Maps say “served.”
Residents say otherwise.

Private ISPs Do Important Work—But Have Limits

Let’s be clear: private ISPs have built most of the broadband backbone we all use today.
But they’re not public utilities—they’re businesses. That means:

  • Prioritizing shareholder value.

  • Skipping areas with low ROI.

  • Charging what the market allows.

Municipal broadband isn’t about punishing them.
It’s about serving people who are left behind.

Cities Step In to Fill the Gaps

Municipal networks don’t duplicate. They fill holes.
They:

  • Extend coverage into underserved homes and neighborhoods.

  • Create competition that lowers prices.

  • Guarantee service in schools, libraries, and city facilities.

  • Put privacy, pricing, and policy decisions back in community hands.

Take UTOPIA Fiber in Utah: more than 20 cities built a shared fiber backbone.
Now, 15 private ISPs compete on the same network.
That’s not redundancy. That’s choice.

The Open Access Advantage

Open access flips the model: the city builds the fiber, private ISPs provide service.
Think about roads.
If every delivery company had to build its own streets, we’d have chaos.
Shared infrastructure means:

  • More competition.

  • Better pricing.

  • Faster upgrades.

Municipal networks make that possible.

Competition Works—Even If It’s Just a Threat

Here’s the unspoken truth: the threat of municipal broadband often forces incumbents to improve.
We’ve seen:

  • Faster upgrades.

  • New discount programs.

  • Suddenly friendlier customer service.

Competition works—even before the first trench is dug.

Is Municipal Broadband Redundant?

Ask yourself:

  • Is one ISP enough?

  • Is patchy coverage acceptable?

  • Should affordable access depend on zip code?

  • Should one company set all the rules?

If the answer is no, then municipal broadband isn’t redundant.
It’s essential.

Coverage Isn’t Connection

Next time someone says “your city doesn’t need municipal broadband because it’s already served,” ask:

  • Are all of our residents truly connected?

  • Do they have real options?

  • Are we okay letting one company set the terms for everyone?

If not, municipal broadband isn’t duplication.
It’s leadership.
It’s fairness.
It’s the future.

Coming up next: Myth #4: Most Municipal Networks Fail.

Learn more and contact us today!
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