Powell’s network broke even in 18 months and has operated profitably ever since.

Municipal-run broadband providers like EPB would have been able to extend service up to 30 miles outside their service areas.

“It is not anti-competition,” Avila said. “The cities can enter into [broadband service]. It is not going to be easy, though, It’s going to be tough.”

“To bring fiber to the heartland of the country, I appreciate the symbolism,” he said.

After a careful review, today we’re very happy to announce that we will build our ultra high-speed network in Kansas City, Kansas.

Yet, when it was time to upgrade company systems three years ago, Fortune’s private provider couldn’t offer sufficient speeds.

Adopting the article allows the town to join the WiredWest Cooperative and means that Florida will have a voice in the decision-making process as the nonprofit undertakes the capitalization, buildout and operation of a municipal fiber-optic network in participating towns.