Since 2021, 47 new publicly owned networks have come online and more projects are underway, according to a new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
The White House's $2 trillion infrastructure plan prioritizes the development of municipally owned broadband networks that have “less pressure to turn profits."
Tucson Chief Information Officer Collin Boyce said the new network will support government offices, students and elderly residents who've been affected by the pandemic.
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to appoint new FCC leaders who will work more closely with local governments and reinstate Obama-era regulations.
More states are relaxing limits on municipally controlled broadband networks as the health crisis drags on, raising the need for high-speed internet service.
The state will postpone studying the merits of municipal broadband as it waits out the results of the state's $500 million Broadband For All initiative.