excelsio communications, MetroNetIQ Solution Partner, Makes 2007 Resolutions

You'll see that Karl's suggestions are in line with the sentiments expressed on this website. MetroNetIQ will be working with excelsio communications in the New Year, given our shared vision and shared strategy for this market. We both like to work with clients who 1) are small towns; 2) have a deliberate, rational approach to projects; 3) want to learn from the mistakes of others; 4) are creative and like to experiment with new business models; and 5) have unmet needs and a sense of urgency. If your city fits any one of those criteria and you're ready to get started, please drop me an email - today!

More specifically, Karl urges the industry conversation in 2007 to feature more focus on: 1) the needs of the average community (where the action will be next year); 2) completed projects (opportunities for learning as finished projects come on line); 3) challenges of networking (pioneer networks will mess up - let's study the mistakes and draw out more lessons); 4) smaller markets (too much focus on big, unrealized projects in big cities); and 5) alternative business models (variety of business models should be explored in 2007).

Karly also highlights the difference between a business plan (lays out details and required actions, expected outcomes, etc.) and a business model (who owns what, who does what). Finally, Karl recommends that cities spend more time on financial analysis and show how the networks will pay for themselves, which will be increasingly important to potential private partners in 2007.

Karl and I have talked a lot about the market in the metropolitan broadband industry, and how we see things unfolding in the near term. Our consulting firms are very complementary and we're looking forward to working together. Our clients will benefit from our different perspectives and collective knowledge of the market and innovative solutions. 2007 is going to be a good year.