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DC-Net has built a successful mid-mile network to serve the District of Columbia‘s government and anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals, and libraries. Now they are holding hearings to determine whether to expand the scope of DC-Net to federal government agencies and local service providers and possibly build infrastructure directly to homes and businesses. This latter endeavor could possibly put taxpayers “on the hook” for hundreds of millions of dollars.
The hearing held by DC Council-member Mary Cheh lasted over 3 hours with many speakers testifying to the benefits and success of DC-Net. Apparently the session was an information gathering meeting for Ms. Chey because there was very little concrete information conveyed as to whether or how the District should increase access to third-parties outside of government and anchor institutions or build a last-mile network.