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”
Customer Spotlight – City of Superior
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:
Neutral host networks help overcome each of these.
How Neutral Host Networks Work in Practice
Here’s the simple version:
It’s not theory—it’s already happening in the U.S. and abroad.
Benefits for Providers, Cities, and End Users
For providers:
For cities:
For end users:
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:
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:
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
Seamless Fiber Network Management: COS Business Engine and Calix Integration in Action!
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?
What caught your interest in COS Systems?
What are your goals for the coming months?
Why should people contact you and press the “connect with Dustin” button?
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
If you could swap jobs with anyone at COS Systems for a day, who would it be and why?
What’s your go-to productivity hack when things get busy?
If you could instantly become an expert in one new skill, what would it be?
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long workday?
Lastly, what’s one word your friends or colleagues would use to describe you?
Welcome aboard Dustin!
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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”
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.
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.
Myth #4: Do Most Municipal Broadband Networks Really Fail?
Myth #4: Do Most Municipal Broadband Networks Really Fail?
The Fear of Failure
Whenever a community brings up municipal broadband, the same line shows up:
“Most of these projects fail.”
It’s usually followed by a scary story from the early 2000s, maybe a Wikipedia link about iProvo, and a warning not to risk it.
Here’s the truth: yes, some early projects stumbled.
But failure isn’t the rule—it’s how innovation evolves.
Just like electric utilities, public hospitals, and even the first versions of the iPhone, the early years were bumpy.
Today, municipal broadband is not only surviving—it’s thriving.
Where the “Most Fail” Myth Comes From
This myth has roots in:
A handful of projects that launched before best practices existed
Networks that were underfunded, poorly managed, or politically targeted
Reports from industry-funded think tanks with a vested interest in keeping broadband private
Critics love to say “over half of municipal broadband networks fail.”
Here’s what they don’t mention:
That number counts projects started 20+ years ago
Many “failures” were restructures or ownership changes—not shutdowns
The sample sizes were tiny and cherry-picked
By the same logic, most private ISPs would look like failures too.
Meet the So-Called “Failures”
iProvo (Utah)
Launched early, without the tools or partnerships needed to succeed.
Politics didn’t help.
It was eventually sold and folded into UTOPIA Fiber, now one of the most successful open-access municipal networks in the U.S.
Burlington Telecom (Vermont)
Yes, it ran into financial trouble early.
But today it’s locally owned, better managed, and still serving customers.
Failures? Maybe at first.
But more accurately—they were lessons that shaped what works today.
The Modern Reality: Municipal Broadband Is Booming
Today’s networks aren’t winging it. They’re winning with:
Smarter planning
Sustainable funding
Modern platforms and tools
Scalable operations
And the results speak for themselves:
FairlawnGig (Ohio): Over 90% take rate. Reliable service and steady revenue.
EPB (Chattanooga, TN): First U.S. city with gigabit. Now offering 25-gig, with billions in local economic benefit.
UTOPIA Fiber (Utah): Serving 20+ cities with 15 ISPs. Growing fast.
These aren’t outliers. They’re examples of what happens when communities do it right.
What Today’s Successful Cities Do Differently
Winning networks focus on:
Business modeling and demand aggregation before buildout
Automation platforms like COS Business Engine to cut staffing needs
Integration with existing billing and service systems
Open access models that create real competition
Public-private partnerships that balance cost and control
They don’t go it alone. They build with proven tools and strong partners.
Rethinking Success Metrics
If “failure” means not making money in year one, almost every startup would fail.
Municipal broadband should be judged like other infrastructure:
Does it serve the public well?
Is it financially stable over time?
Does it create value beyond its balance sheet?
By those measures, today’s municipal networks are succeeding—and often exceeding expectations.
What Early “Failures” Actually Taught Us
Because of those early stumbles, cities now know how to:
Right-size a network for local demand
Phase construction to match take rates
Build workflows that scale
Price for long-term sustainability
Choose tech that doesn’t create silos
Short-term failure isn’t fatal.
It’s how progress gets made.
The New Story Is Success
The idea that “most municipal broadband networks fail” is outdated.
Look at Fairlawn, Chattanooga, and UTOPIA Fiber—proof that when done right, these networks don’t just work, they lead.
Next time someone raises the old argument, just point to the cities showing us the future.
Municipal broadband isn’t risky.
It’s maturing—and it’s here to stay.
Coming up next: Myth #5: Governments Should Focus on Roads, Not Routers
Myth #5: Is Broadband a Core Government Function?
Myth #5: “Broadband Is Not a Core Government Function”
Some argue cities should stick to potholes, pipes, and snowplows.
But history shows otherwise. Roads, water, and power weren’t “core” either—until they were.
Infrastructure Has Always Evolved
Infrastructure grows with public need.
Today, residents need broadband to:
Work remotely
Access telehealth
Take classes
Start businesses
Potholes matter. But without connectivity, people are stuck.
The False Choice
Broadband doesn’t drain budgets from roads.
Cities run multiple systems at once
Broadband uses separate funding (bonds, partnerships, user fees)
No one says, “Stop water to fix sidewalks”
So why frame broadband as a luxury?
Broadband Makes Government Work Better
It enables:
Online permits and services
Remote civic engagement
Faster emergency response
Smarter traffic systems
That’s not “extra.” That’s mission-critical.
Broadband Serves People Everywhere
Traditional infrastructure serves places. Broadband serves people.
Seniors need telehealth
Students need Wi-Fi
Police and fire need secure networks
Local businesses need bandwidth to compete
It multiplies the impact of every other service.
Connected Cities Stay Competitive
You can’t lead a modern city with outdated infrastructure.
If the town next door has affordable fiber, you risk:
Families leaving
Companies slowing investment
Young professionals moving elsewhere
Connectivity is now a deciding factor.
Cities Already Proving It Works
Examples across the U.S. show cities can do both:
Oakland, CA: citywide digital equity network
Colorado Springs, CO: massive municipal fiber project
Fairlawn, OH: 90% household coverage
Chattanooga, TN: national model
They didn’t step in to compete. They stepped in to serve.
Final Word
Private providers had decades. They didn’t connect everyone.
Cities aren’t overreaching. They’re doing what leadership requires.
Roads and water built yesterday’s cities.
Broadband will shape tomorrow’s.
That’s a wrap on the series! (So far.)
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