Loma Linda's Muni Broadband Creates the Future of Healthcare

Some critics like to bad mouth muni-owned broadband networks by spinning half-truths about cities they claim are failing. Loma Linda, CA, similar to other successes in the state such as Santa Monica and Burbank, is a winner on many levels when you assess the full scope of its network.

Loma Linda Asst. City Manager Konrad Bolowich joins us to describe the City network's impact as a business venture. "The network based just on revenues we generate is a breakeven effort," states Bolowich, "but the city government wouldn't be able to run without the network." He explains to listeners how the Loma Linda Connected Community Program:   

• led to Loma Linda becoming the Disneyland of Healthcare, which by itself has a huge impact on local economic development;
• enabled the City to totally revamp and improve how it serves citizens while reducing its operating costs by 20%; and
• continually closes sales to local businesses for a range of telecom and data services.

Bolowich discusses the City's effective strategy of partnering with developers to ensure new properties expand the network into residential communities, while scoping out tactics to bring broadband to other residences. He also weighs in on whether offering triple play (data, voice, video) services are vital to the network's success. There's a lot in this 60 minutes for communities to learn about how to win at broadband.