Community Fiber Internet

[Phil Gapp]

Hello Group,

My idea for community internet is not new, however I'm passionate about combining successful aspects and learning from less effective aspects of other communities that have installed fiber optic networks. I believe we, as a community, can drive costs down and realize the benefits of a long-term investment in next-generation internet access as a public infrastructure within a few years. Right now the idea has an excellent shot of moving on from one of thirty semi-finalists for the Forever Saint Paul Challenge to three finalists, hopefully winning the $1 million award by public vote. With that I need to engage the Twin Cities, learn more about the demand/needs of our community and plan a network starting with every building in Saint Paul.

I am not alone. There is now a nonprofit driving our idea/project called Community Wide Web, and are continuing to build strong community, government and private partnerships. At this point my team and I need lots of feedback. Every question, objection and new supporter is essential towards reaching a community solution to a large-scale problem; internet is expensive and slow compared to global standards. How can we be economically viable and innovative as a region if we don't stay ahead of the curve? 

If this idea is a good fit for the fishbowl gatherings could someone more experienced with the group help me form strong questions? I'd like to be as effective as possible, respecting the time of folks that show up while getting across the key points of our extensive research data.

Thank you!