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-- OriginalOwner_ [tinyurl.com] writes:

from the socialism! dept.

DSLReports notes [dslreports.com]

Way back in 2005 we profiled the Massachusetts towns of Shutesbury and Leverett [dslreports.com], two shining examples of the kinds of U.S. towns that have fallen into broadband connectivity black holes. Large regional providers like Verizon didn't want to upgrade the markets (Boston still hasn't been upgraded to FiOS), and could barely be bothered to keep aging copper in the region fully functional.

A decade later and Leverett last October formally launched LeverettNet [leverettnet.net], a new network that now delivers up to two gigabit speeds with no usage caps to the town's previously-underserved masses.

The company started by offering locals symmetrical gigabit connections for $65 a month. Starting January 1, locals will now be able two get 2 gigabit connections [vice.com] for $25 a month plus a $50 monthly LLMP operating fee ($75 a month).

Contrast that to Comcast's price tag for two gigabit service [dslreports.com]: $300 a month with $1000 worth of installation and activation fees. You'll quickly realize why ISPs have turned to protectionist stat laws to ban towns and cities from wiring themselves.

The town also announced this week [recorder.com] that it's lowering prices for all of its services (the exact opposite of what usually happens this time of year). The cost of gigabit and phone service is dropping from $44.95 to $39.95 per month, while the price of telephone service is dropping from $29.95 to $24.95 per month (see all prices here [leverettnet.net]). The outfit also announced this week that the project would have a notably lower impact on property taxes than expected.

So, what are y'all doing in -your- town?

Original Submission