In Washington, Mt. Vernon Attracts Businesses with Open Access Network Community Broadband Bits Episode 38
b"Nearly 20 years ago, a small community between Seattle and Bellingham, Washington, began building a fiber optic network to connect key municipal facilities. In the years since, Mt Vernon has expanded the network to many community anchor institutions and businesses locally, including in two nearby towns.\\n\\nInformation Systems Director Kim Kleppe and Community & Economic Development Director Jana Hansen join me to explain how they began the network and what benefits they have seen from the investment.\\n\\nThey did not borrow or bond for the network and they don't have a municipal electric department, which makes them particularly interesting in this space. They also run an open access network that allows eight providers to compete in delivering the best services to subscribers. The network has encouraged several businesses to move to the community.\\n\\nOur interview begins with an introduction from Mayor Jill Boudreau.\\n\\nRead the transcript from this episode here.\\n\\nWe want your feedback and suggestions for the show - please e-mail us or leave a comment below. Also, feel free to suggest other guests, topics, or questions you want us to address.\\n\\nThis show is 25 minutes long and can be played below on this page or subscribe via iTunes or via the tool of your choice using this feed. Search for us in iTunes and leave a positive comment!\\n\\nListen to previous episodes here. You can can download this Mp3 file directly from here.\\n\\nFind more episodes in our podcast index.\\n\\nThanks to D. Charles Speer & the Helix for the music, licensed using Creative Commons."