MidwestBusiness.com suggests that the cities step up and take an active role in funding the network.
While putting in a real network infrastructure isn't cheap, it should be looked at as a long-term investment for regional economic development just like an airport or an intercontinental dock and shipping facility.But where are the cities going to get the funding? The obvious answer is through taxes just like other capital improvement projects. But what citizen wants to approve a tax when they either A) already pay for their own service, or B) can walk into any number of restaurants and bars that are a Wi-Fi hot spot?
What has worked for cities like Lafayette, La., and Bristol, Va., is a government funded build-outs, wherein the municipality owns the system and can provide competitive rates for services. But can that work on a nationwide scale?
