Ironically, the nation’s excitement over muni wireless networks in 2006 set Columbus well ahead of most cities on the path to highspeed fiber networks. Columbus not only brings Ohio on line with meeting the FCC’s Gigabit City Challenge of at least one citywide gig network per state, it beat over 400 cities worldwide to become one of Intelligent Community Forums' 7 Intelligent Communities.

Gary Cavin, Director & CIO of the city's Dept. of Technology, explains how the city initially built a fiber network to drive wireless everywhere, and later transitioned fiber to center stage of their broadband efforts. Columbus is expanding that drive via partnerships with neighboring communities.

The city qualified for its ICF award by demonstrating its ability to develop infrastructure and programs that enabled constituents and businesses to be active participants in the broadband economy. The Director presents several valuable lessons here for everyone involved with broadband projects.