[Discuss] OT: Cambridge seeks applicants for broadband task force

[Stephen Ronan]

Seems like it would be good to have some of the brilliant folks 
on this list involved in the committee described in the 
announcement below by the Cambridge, MA City Manager... (there's 
background here: http://www.cctvcambridge.org/BroadbandTaskForce)

====================================================
City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking applicants to serve on a 
new Task Force which will examine broadband service in Cambridge 
and evaluate our fiber infrastructure. The Task Force will 
examine options to increase competition, reduce pricing, and 
improve speed, reliability and customer service for both 
residents and businesses. Additionally, the Task Force will 
investigate scenarios for leveraging the City's current or future 
fiber assets to expand access to broadband services, such as 
service to CHA properties.

The work of the Task Force will help to ensure that Cambridge 
remains a world-class City in which to live, work, innovate and 
learn. The final report of the committee will assist the City in 
planning for the future and setting realistic expectations with 
the public, as creating alternative solutions can take years to 
fully implement.

The Task Force will meet on a regular basis and will be charged 
with:

* Engaging the broader community, including residents, business 
and university partners, in understanding their current and 
future broadband needs;

* Understanding and documenting existing broadband service in 
Cambridge - speed, reliability, cost and customer service;

* Understanding and documenting the existing broadband and fiber 
infrastructure - both private and public;

* Examining best practices and models used by other 
municipalities across the United States to improve access to 
broadband services;

* Developing a range of alternatives for improving access to 
broadband services, including: increased private competition, a 
mesh network, a municipal fiber network connected to public 
housing properties, a municipal fiber backbone throughout the 
city and a complete municipal broadband network;

* Evaluating each alternative by conducting an analysis of the 
level of service provided, cost to customers and to the City, 
customer service, sustainability and flexibility of the system to 
adapt to improving technologies;

* Creating business models for providing internet service that 
includes: funding, cost recovery, governance model, and 
subscription structure, including options for people with limited 
ability to pay; and

* Developing recommendations for leveraging public- private 
partnerships, including regional initiatives, in achieving 
alternative access to broadband services.

Residents and interested members of Cambridge's university, 
innovation, civic and business communities are encouraged to 
apply. Prospective members should send a letter via mail, email 
or fax by Friday, May 30, 2014 briefly describing the applicant's 
interest in the committee, relevant background, skills and 
experience to:

Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Email: citymanager at cambridgema.gov
Ph: 617-349-4300 Fax: 617-349-4307