Text Box: The following five conditions indicate that a rural community is ready to evaluate options for the development of a broadband network: Broadband options offered by local telephone and/or cable companies are limited or non-existent. Direct competion with a local carrier that is otherwise equipped to deliver equivalent high speed services can suppress the revenue potential of a community venture. However, if local carriers are limited in their abilities to provide such services, the situation flips, as the community network becomes a potential new customer. Demand exists for broadband services among residences, businesses, libraries or schools. Successful business models for these networks require steady revenue, especially in the early going before longer term community-wide benefits become apparent. In areas of low population

   Next Page ►