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Craig Settles

Craig Settles assists cities and co-ops with business planning for broadband and telehealth. He has surveyed economic development professionals nationwide about the impact of telehealth and community broadband, and offers guidance for federal grant proposals for broadband, telehealth, or other digital projects.

There is a strong case for local government partnering with co-ops to deliver broadband to under-connected areas, especially if the cities or counties own their public utilities.
Local elected leaders, administrators, public utility managers and community stakeholders are stepping up their advocacy game in response to recent legislative losses.
As long as there are vendors and providers, there’s always going to be hype. But hopefully the hybrid approach will keep the hype in check so community network buildouts can surge head.
Advocates must aggressively engage in politics at all levels if they hope to keep up with giant incumbents that expect the political winds to blow in their favor.
To get a stimulus-funded, broadband network off the ground, needs analysis and partnerships are crucial.