Across the U.S. an increasing number of public-owned electric and other utilities are building or planning to build highspeed Internet access networks. In many ways these entities are well suited for the task. Is yours?

Curtis Dean, Broadband Services Coordinator for the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities joins us to discuss why public utilities are making a difference in the drive for faster, better networks. Dean, who was part of a team that built a successful public utility network in 2001, offers listeners a lot of valuable advice.

We explore critical issues that help ensure a public utility leads an effective broadband initiative, including: 

* determining what your public utility must do to effectively launch a broadband network;

* addressing challenges and tapping the benefits utilities can deliver with broadband services;

* managing time and monetary costs of operating a network infrastructure; and

* effectively marketing the services after launching a network.

Don't miss Craig Settles' workshop in Ottumwa, IA that will tackle these and other issues.