Municipal Broadband Discussion Continues in Dubuque

The Dubuque City Council continues to talk about possible next steps toward municipal broadband in the northeast Iowa city of 58,000.

Last night the council discussed whether to add broadband to the list of topics to be addressed during their annual planning session in August. A local citizen group, "Campaign for DBQ Municipal Internet" has been working for several months to convince the City to study the issue more closely. They advocate for a feasibility study to consider the costs and benefits of a community-owned fiber optic network that would reach every home and business.

Dubuque has been working for the past several years with private partners to expand fiber connectivity in the city. A network of city-owned conduit has been accessed by private partners to connect in some areas, but has primarily served businesses. The Campaign for DBQ Municipal Internet says better broadband is needed community wide, and says the repeal of net neutrality is a primary driver for their efforts.

To learn more about yesterday's meeting, CLICK HERE to watch TV coverage from KCRG-TV.