Scoping New Policy Frameworks for Local Broadband Networks

38 Pages Posted: 29 Jul 2019

See all articles by Sharon Strover

Sharon Strover

University of Texas at Austin

Martin Johannes Riedl

University of Texas at Austin - Moody College of Communication; Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Selena Dickey

University of Texas at Austin

Date Written: July 27, 2019

Abstract

Over many years, locally-initiated and operated broadband infrastructure projects have attempted to resolve the last-mile dilemma. Many generations of do-it-yourself (DIY) network efforts that are either wireless, such as community mesh networks, or wired, such as fiber cooperatives, exist, but in the U.S. scaled developments have been stalled for a variety of reasons that include regulatory prohibitions. This research examines a current ‘third wave’ of community networking, marked by local and DIY efforts as well as technological innovations. We investigate approaches that are technological, managerial, and also aimed at regulatory and economic incentives that may be appropriate in the U.S. We argue that this ‘third wave’ of community networking efforts and technology demonstrates new connectivity models that can solve some of the nation’s broadband problems, especially when accompanied by supportive federal and state policies. The technological, organization, and market implications of the third wave of community networks suggest new policies helpful to provide improved broadband services in various regions amidst incumbent protectionism.

Keywords: Community Networks ISP Local Connectivity

JEL Classification: Z10

Suggested Citation

Strover, Sharon and Riedl, Martin Johannes and Dickey, Selena, Scoping New Policy Frameworks for Local Broadband Networks (July 27, 2019). TPRC47: The 47th Research Conference on Communication, Information and Internet Policy 2019, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3427571 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3427571

Sharon Strover (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Austin ( email )

2317 Speedway
Austin, TX Texas 78712
United States

Martin Johannes Riedl

University of Texas at Austin - Moody College of Communication ( email )

Austin, TX
United States

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Französische Straße 9
Berlin, 10117
Germany

Selena Dickey

University of Texas at Austin ( email )

2317 Speedway
Austin, TX Texas 78712
United States

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