In early 2010 the Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband
Plan recognized broadband as “the great infrastructure challenge of the
early 21st century” and set out an ambitious vision for bringing high
capacity connectivity to all Americans. Two years later, the most
appropriate strategies for advancing this goal remain unclear. As part
of its contribution to this ongoing dialogue, the Berkman Center is
conducting a study of locally led efforts to deploy
fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks in the United States.
Over the past decade, local leaders in every region of the country have
initiated dozens of FTTP projects employing a variety of business,
management and technical models to achieve an array of social, economic
and policy objectives. The wide variation in goals, models and
execution approaches enables these localities to collectively serve as
“laboratories” for better understanding next generation connectivity.
However, the knowledge and experience that exists in these communities
is spread across many individuals and entities.
Our research will aggregate dispersed information through in-depth
interviews with project planners and operators, analysis of quantitative performance indicators, and review of published reports and secondary
sources. We anticipate that this comparative analysis will provide
useful insights into the factors that have contributed to the adoption
and sustainability of local next generation networks.
The results will be of use to a range of groups interested in advanced
broadband infrastructure: local leaders and practitioners evaluating
existing or potential initiatives; state and federal policymakers
shaping regulatory regimes; and private sector executives weighing
investments or partnerships.
Project contact: Rob Faris, rfaris [at] cyber.harvard.edu