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”

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.

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

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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