Building the *10 Gigabit* City. And Then What?

Are we entering a digital arms race? First Salisbury, NC announces its 10-gigabit network last month. Then Chattanooga announced its 10-gigabit network last week. Should the dozens of communities planning or starting to build gig infrastructure just go ahead and launch 10-gig networks instead? 20 gigs?

John Pless, a spokesperson for the public utility (EPB) that operates the Chattanooga network, joins us to discuss this latest broadband infrastructure development. EPB’s10-gig service is available to every home and business in its 600 square mile service area for $299 per month, and comes with free installation, no contracts and no cancellation fees.

People have a lot of questions for Chattanooga:

• How big of a deal is it to move from 1 gigabit to 10 gigabits?
• What kind of pressure does a 10-gig network put on your competitors?
• What type of businesses will be enticed by 10-gig nets to move to Chattanooga?  
• Will medical facilities and professionals in particular find this new super-highspeed capability the reason for coming to town?
• How will low-income communities keep pace with these gigabit announcements?

It’s a good thing Craig Settles’ new book, Building the Gigabit City, Vol 2, has the flexibility of a digital format.