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FEATURED TOPICDigital Transition -The term "Digital Transition" describes the process all organizations must go through in the 21st Century, as they leverage new technologies that provide new options for Applications, Equipment, Processes, and Networks that make them more effective. In contrast, the term "Municipal Wireless" is limiting. It puts the network technology ahead of the application and process changes that drive the business case. ORIENTATION |
« And We're Off and Running | Weblog | Minnesota: A Conversation with Brad Mayer on Chaska.net » Iowa: Thumbs Up for Electric Utility Providing CommunicationsBeginning in 1998, MPW helped fund the development costs of the City of Muscatine's communications utility. So far, the electric utility has advanced $35,327,000 to the communications system for capital improvements and acquisition of a cable television system. MPW's goal is to improve the quality of local service and provide a wider range of communications services to customers in Muscatine. In implementing its communications plan, MPW experienced greater local cable competition than was initially expected. This pressured margins and hurt bottom-line performance. These issues appear to have been resolved, and MPW anticipates improved profitability through higher prices and better service. Financial results at the electric system for 2004 were satisfactory. Fitch Affirms Muscatine Power's 'A-' Rating Financial reports like this make for dry reading, but there is truth both in what they say in words, and in what is written between the lines. Here we have the largest municipally owned utility in Iowa, which serves about 11,000 customers. It took a signficant risk by financing efforts to bring better communication services to its ratepayers. And their project suffered greater competition than expected. And yet, they adjusted, and now are doing ... just fine would be a good way to put it. At least, that's what we call an A- in my house. While I am more supportive of public private partnerships, and more scalable systems that don't put all the eggs in one financial basket, I wanted to highlight this success story. Governmental entity takes responsibility and takes a risk, government entity manages through risk, government entity improves the quality of life for its citizens. And the sky did not fall in when the public sector stepped in, as opponents of Muni broadband have claimed so loudly to date. So there. Posted on September 30, 2005 at 10:02 AM CommentsPost a comment |
METRONET VENDOR DIRECTORYMY OTHER BLOGSMetroNetIQ E-Store - Be sure to visit the MetroNetIQ E-Store and pick up a copy of The ABCs of Community Broadband: How Digital Transitions Will Transform America's Communities, One at a Time. The E-Store will offer special discounts on this valuable guide for community leaders, discounts that won't be available to the general public on Amazon! |
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