Defining Your Community

Public broadband networks can encompass a few blocks, a neighborhood, a city, multiple towns or cities, portions of or a complete county, or an entire rural region. Some entities like an electric cooperative may be legally or politically bound by a defined service area. A city government may decide that the easiest and clearest path is to stay within municipal boundaries.

Broadband advocates may decide that a larger geographic area would be beneficial. Operating efficiencies, regional economic development, ubiquitous coverage, and political heft are some reasons for going bigger.

Each state may have its own unique rules for how local governments can collaborate. Most local governments are already engaged in these types of partnerships for public safety, public and mental health, transportation, and/or corrections. These relationships result in joint powers boards and agreements.

Some states have created formal frameworks specifically for utilities. Washington has 28 electric public utility districts (PUDs) that were early movers on open-access, middle-mile broadband networks. In 2021, PUDs were granted authority to deliver retail telecommunications services. Vermont created a unique, broadband-centric model called Communications Union Districts (CUDs) to support regional collaboration. The state has provided startup funds, with each district pursuing its own unique strategy. Three of these CUDs are highlighted in the profiles that are part of this handbook.

Tribal governments have been engaged in broadband deployment strategies, especially large, land-based tribes with established reservation boundaries. Traditionally, tribal lands have some of the worst telecommunications services, combined with digital equity barriers. Tribes have implemented a variety of solutions, from community technology centers to reservation-wide fiber and/or wireless networks. Tribes often pursue broadband network deployment as part of a multiprong strategy for enhanced economic development, health care, education, and tribal sovereignty.

Determining the reach of a network requires considerable consideration and discussion. With larger geographies and multiple jurisdictions, a range of issues emerge, from financing formulas to construction schedules.