Localizng the Internet: 5 Ways Public Ownership Solves the U.S. Internet Problem

By Becco Vargo Daggit, Institute for Self Reliance
http://www.newrules.org/info/5ways.pdf

This 32 page document, Localizing the Internet, outlines the benefits of publicly owned fiber lines. It summarizes quickly both pre and post-Telecommunications Act of 1996 regulations, the basics of broadband techology, the risks involved, and case studies of successful implementation of public owned fiber.

Their 5 arguments for public ownership are:

1. High-speed information networks are essential public infrastructure.
2. Public ownership ensures competition.
3. Publicly owned networks can generate significant revenue.
4. Public ownership can ensure universal access.
5. Public ownership can ensure non-discriminatory networks.