Exploring Citizen-Owned, City-Run Internet

I hope you had a chance to read today’s Times Union article about my plan to create The City of Albany Commission on Municipal Internet. If not, here’s the link: http://www.timesunion.com/tuplus-local/article/Could-Albany-build-its-own-high-speed-Internet-6146738.php?t=7e4b233eec

The formation of the commission is the first phase in making the dream of quality, super high-speed, affordable internet available to every Albany resident and business. City’s in Tennessee and North Carolina have created their own internet system and the success they have seen in their investment has paid off in leaps and bounds. Municipal internet, if done right, can be a huge economic and community boost. Making the dream a reality will give Albany a gigantic competitive advantage over other municipalities, create jobs, help individuals find jobs, and take online courses to gain better employment. These are just a few of the benefits.

But, we have to make sure we are smart about such a big undertaking. That’s why this commission is so important. They will be charged with delving into the issue deeply. The 11 member commission will look into the logistics, financing, and partnerships needed to create a world class internet service right here in Albany.

In Albany, Time Warner Cable enjoys a monopoly over internet service. It’s expensive and we are led to believe the speeds that are offered are quality. The truth is, we can do much better. In fact, we can make internet FIFTY times faster than what’s currently the average internet speed in Albany. And I don’t think anyone needs a reminder about the customer service end of things. We deserve and need a far better alternative in Albany. That’s what this commission will figure out. April 6th . Here’s the full text of the legislation creating the commission: http://www.scribd.com/doc/259394118/City-of-Albany-Commission-on-Municipal-Internet-Service . I will formally introduce the ordinance at the next Common Council meeting, I hope you are as excited about this endeavor as I am. This is real economic development that has a proven track record. For this to succeed, we need our collective brainpower. So long as we do that, the sky is the limit. Stay tuned!