Cambridge Municipal Broadband - An idea whose time has passed.
The internet has become an essential tool in today’s world, and there is no question that internet equity is essential for all in our City. The need for access has been clearly demonstrated during COVID, where many students and workers were left behind by being unable to apply for jobs, access zoom, or attend virtual classes. The lack of access for some continues while the City debates how to build internet equity. Currently, Comcast enjoys a virtual monopoly in Cambridge, providing cable access to those who subscribe. In response to ongoing dissatisfaction with Comcast’s poor service and high costs, which preclude some residents from becoming subscribers, there has been discussion of construction of a municipally-owned citywide broadband system, one that would “compete” with Comcast. The price tag on this system has been estimated to be around $35 million., but could potentially be more. To assess the potential for a municipal broadband system, it is important to understand the ma