Comments about ‘Taxpayers win with privatizing municipal network’

Why do I need, why do I want, UTOPIA.

WHY IS GOVERNMENT INVOLVED IN PAYING FOR IT?

What will it give me and at what cost?

Is there anywhere I can find those answers.

What will it give me and at what cost?

Is there anywhere I can find those answers.

This is something that shouldn't have had a dime of taxpayer money. Privatize this ASAP.

Council member Turley seems to be satisfied with short-term benefits over long-term gains. The reason iProvo and UTOPIA were built was to create an asset for these communities and bring more competition. The private sector networks haven't met needs -- I certainly can't get the service I'd like at my home. I wish I had UTOPIA!

Provo seems to have a very real risk of paying for the network in the end anyway (they've already started paying debt, according to Mr. Turley), but in the meantime they've given up years of project management; they've given up the ability to ensure that the network meets the long-term goals of their city and not just another investor's pocketbook.

We don't need another mini-monopoly controlling a network in UTOPIA cities. We need open networks, and UTOPIA's city councils (and other cities in Utah) should be figuring out how to make that happen. If that means more bonding, I'm all for it.

From what I can tell, Steve Turley seems to be saying the best thing for UTOPIA cities is to foot the bill for the private sector to see the benefit. That's what he seems to be doing for iProvo. If that's what he's suggesting, sign me up. I'll take over UTOPIA.

It seems like every time I hear about Steve Turley in the news, there's some kind of conflict of interest involved. I thought he was opposed selling the network; what's changed his tune? Is this simply more of the standard Steve we've come to expect? This whole situation with iProvo, as he described it, is a debacle. I can't believe the shenanigans the Provo city council has pulled to give the private sector benefit on the tax payer's back! Seems like it's just another mess for Steve Turley -- right up there with his real estate deals.

Wait. Did I miss something here? I just read in the news a few weeks ago that Google visited with UTOPIA because they’re interested in municipal open fiber networks. They’re interested in how UTOPIA’s grown and how to get a lot of providers. Here’s a major company putting their money where their mouth is. They’re investigating and encouraging more open networks while Steve encourages privatization. I don’t know about you, but I’ll trust Google’s opinion when it comes to technology. Open networks are where we’re going. Sorry, Steve.