Evolving Role of Regional Co-ops in Community Broadband

The Internet connection for this broadcast failed 35 minutes into the show. We couldn't revive the feed. Kevin has agreed to come back at a later date to complete the interview. Be on the look out for Part 2 of our interview.

With the increasing drive by communities to get better broadband networks in their areas, there is likewise a growing interest in creating cooperatives to move these projects forward. How do communities create co-ops that ensure the best interests of constituents and their partners are served?

Kevin Larson, Gen. Manager of the Minnesota telephone co-op Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC), helps listeners understand the key elements of successful co-op business strategy. CTC is involved with several projects within the state.

Questions addressed in this interview include:
What are some successful building blocks if a community is considering starting a new co-op?

• How can existing telephone co-ops expand into, or increase the size of, broadband services
• Will the FCC’s transition of the Universal Service Fund into the Connect America Fund benefit co-ops
• How will AT&T’s move to abandon rural communities impact co-ops’ ability to deliver services.

This is the first of two broadcasts from the Blandin Foundation’s “Minnesota’s Better with Broadband” summit where Gigabit Nation host Craig Settles delivers the keynote presentation.