Ammon, ID created an open access fiber-optic network as a public utility forcing ISP competition
Ammon, ID open access fiber-optic network
The City of Ammon partnered with EntryPoint Networks to create an open access fiber-optic network which treats broadband infrastructure as a public utility. Residents and businesses can either pay an up-front cost of $3,200 or $20 per month for 20 years to retain the ability to seamlessly switch ISPs without needing to adapt their hardware. By giving local residents the option to own their own fiber the eight local internet service providers (ISPs) are forced to compete to serve them.
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Ammon, Idaho, has the best fiber-optic network in America
Community broadband creates competition and better service and choice—along with giving local residents ownership.
Ammon Continues to Expand Open Access Network, Super-Affordable Rates Attract Attention | community broadband networks
Ammon, Idaho’s open access software defined network has earned accolades from industry experts and been hailed as a model approach for other communities. Amid news of expansion, the positive effects of competition via the publicly owned network have recently flashed across news and social media. People who don’t live in the Idaho city are shocked to learn how affordable
Project Succeeded
The Ammon network has reduced the cost of a 1 Gbps connection available via one of the ISPs from $99 a month (with a minimum three-year contract) to $9.99 a month with no contractual obligation. Ammon network participants are connected to a smart grid that offers access to municipal services including public safety and utility services. Participants can also easily establish their own private networks without any additional infrastructure costs.
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