Municipal Broadband [2026]

Top 15 Cities With the Best Municipal Broadband

These cities have proven that publicly owned internet infrastructure can deliver world-class connectivity at prices that undercut every major commercial ISP. Each network below is ranked based on speed offerings, pricing, customer satisfaction, and years of proven operation.

1. Chattanooga, Tennessee — EPB Fiber Optics

EPB Fiber Optics in Chattanooga is America's most celebrated municipal broadband success story. Operated by the city's electric utility since 2010, EPB was the first ISP in the United States to offer 1 Gbps residential internet and later became the first to offer 10 Gbps service in 2015. Today, EPB's fiber network passes every home and business in its 600-square-mile service area, covering over 110,000 premises.

• Provider: EPB Fiber Optics
• Top Speed: 25 Gbps (25,000 Mbps symmetrical)
• Pricing: 300 Mbps at $58/mo, 1 Gbps at $68/mo, 10 Gbps at $299/mo
• Year Launched: 2010

EPB has attracted over $1 billion in economic development to Chattanooga, earning the city the nickname "Gig City." The network also provides smart grid capabilities, reducing power outage durations by 55%. EPB consistently earns the highest customer satisfaction scores of any ISP in the country.

2. Longmont, Colorado — NextLight

NextLight launched in 2014 after Longmont residents voted 2-to-1 to approve a city-owned fiber network. The result has been transformative: NextLight now covers 97% of the city with symmetrical gigabit fiber and boasts a take rate exceeding 60% — meaning more than half of eligible households have chosen the municipal option over Comcast and CenturyLink.

• Provider: NextLight (Longmont Power & Communications)
• Top Speed: 10 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 1 Gbps at $49.95/mo, 10 Gbps at $149.95/mo
• Year Launched: 2014

NextLight's arrival forced Comcast to lower its local prices by 30% and increase its speed offerings, demonstrating the competitive pressure municipal networks create. The network generates a surplus that funds ongoing infrastructure improvements without any tax subsidies.

3. Fort Collins, Colorado — Connexion

Fort Collins Connexion is one of the newest municipal fiber networks in the country, launched in 2020 after a 2017 ballot measure passed with 57% voter support. Despite launching during the pandemic, Connexion has built out fiber to 85% of the city and achieved a 55% take rate in served areas — an exceptional adoption rate for a network less than five years old.

• Provider: Fort Collins Connexion
• Top Speed: 10 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 1 Gbps at $59.95/mo, 10 Gbps at $149.95/mo
• Year Launched: 2020

Connexion's network design uses an open-access architecture, and the city plans to extend service to every address within its boundaries by 2027. Local businesses report significant savings compared to legacy Comcast business plans that often cost $300+/month for similar speeds.

4. Wilson, North Carolina — Greenlight Community Broadband

Greenlight is a pioneering municipal network that launched in 2008, making it one of the earliest city-owned fiber systems in the Southeast. Operated by Wilson's electric utility (the Wilson Energy Division), Greenlight has served as a model for community broadband despite facing legal challenges from North Carolina's restrictive state laws that limit municipal network expansion beyond city limits.

• Provider: Greenlight Community Broadband
• Top Speed: 1 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 50 Mbps at $34.95/mo, 1 Gbps at $69.95/mo
• Year Launched: 2008

Greenlight proved that municipal broadband could thrive in a mid-size Southern city, inspiring similar efforts across the region. The network has been financially self-sustaining since 2013, operating without any subsidy from the city's general fund.

5. Cedar Falls, Iowa — Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU)

Cedar Falls Utilities began offering broadband in 1996, making it one of the oldest municipal internet providers in the nation. CFU has continuously upgraded its network over nearly three decades, moving from coaxial cable to full fiber-to-the-home, and now offers symmetrical gigabit service across the entire city.

• Provider: Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU)
• Top Speed: 10 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 250 Mbps at $45/mo, 1 Gbps at $65/mo, 10 Gbps at $295/mo
• Year Launched: 1996 (fiber upgrade 2012)

CFU's longevity demonstrates the long-term viability of the municipal broadband model. The utility cross-subsidizes broadband with its electric revenue, keeping prices low while maintaining a network that consistently ranks among the fastest in Iowa.

6. Lafayette, Louisiana — LUS Fiber

LUS Fiber overcame years of legal battles with BellSouth (now AT&T) and Cox Communications before launching in 2009. Lafayette's public utility spent over $4 million defending its right to build the network against incumbent ISP lawsuits. The result is a city-wide fiber network that has reshaped Lafayette's digital landscape.

• Provider: LUS Fiber (Lafayette Utilities System)
• Top Speed: 2 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 100 Mbps at $39.95/mo, 1 Gbps at $69.95/mo
• Year Launched: 2009

LUS Fiber has driven broadband adoption rates in Lafayette above the national average and catalyzed a growing tech startup scene. The network serves as a cautionary tale about incumbent ISP tactics: companies spent millions to prevent competition that ultimately benefited consumers.

7. Huntsville, Alabama — Google Fiber Partnership

Huntsville Utilities took a unique approach to municipal broadband: the city built the fiber infrastructure and partnered with Google Fiber to provide retail service. This public-private partnership model allowed Huntsville to leverage Google's brand and expertise while retaining ownership of the physical network — an arrangement that gives the city long-term control over its broadband destiny.

• Provider: Google Fiber (on city-owned infrastructure)
• Top Speed: 8 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 1 Gbps at $70/mo, 2 Gbps at $100/mo
• Year Launched: 2017

Huntsville's model is increasingly studied by other cities as a template for public-private broadband deployment. The city retains the ability to add additional service providers to its fiber network, ensuring long-term competition. Learn more about Google Fiber's offerings on our Google Fiber provider page.

8. Ammon, Idaho — Ammon Fiber

Ammon Fiber pioneered the "virtualized" or "open-access" municipal fiber model. The city of just 16,000 residents builds and owns the physical fiber infrastructure. Subscribers pay a modest $17/month infrastructure fee directly to the city, then choose from multiple competing ISPs for their actual internet service. This creates a genuinely competitive marketplace even in a small city.

• Provider: Ammon Fiber (open-access, multiple ISPs)
• Top Speed: 1 Gbps+ (varies by ISP)
• Pricing: $17/mo infrastructure fee + $10-50/mo for ISP service
• Year Launched: 2016

Ammon's software-defined networking approach lets residents switch ISPs in seconds through an online portal — no truck rolls, no installation appointments, no contracts. This model has been replicated in several other communities and is considered the gold standard for open-access municipal fiber.

9. Santa Monica, California — CityNet

Santa Monica CityNet operates a 12-mile fiber ring that connects city buildings, schools, and businesses. While primarily serving institutional and commercial customers, CityNet provides symmetrical gigabit service at a fraction of commercial pricing and has laid the groundwork for expanded residential service.

• Provider: CityNet (City of Santa Monica)
• Top Speed: 10 Gbps (commercial), 1 Gbps (residential pilot)
• Pricing: Business: $50-100/mo for 1 Gbps; Residential: TBD
• Year Launched: 2002 (institutional), residential expansion ongoing

CityNet saves Santa Monica over $1 million annually in connectivity costs for city operations alone. The network has become a magnet for tech companies and creative firms seeking affordable, reliable high-speed connections in the greater Los Angeles area.

10. Fairlawn, Ohio — FairlawnGig

FairlawnGig is remarkable for its scale: a city of just 7,400 residents built a city-wide fiber network offering symmetrical gigabit internet. Launched in 2017, FairlawnGig achieved an astonishing 70%+ take rate within three years, proving that municipal broadband can work even in very small communities.

• Provider: FairlawnGig
• Top Speed: 1 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 1 Gbps at $55/mo (residential), $75/mo (business)
• Year Launched: 2017

FairlawnGig has boosted property values by an estimated 5-8% and attracted new businesses to a city that was previously underserved by both AT&T and Spectrum. The city manager estimates the network will be fully paid off years ahead of its original bond schedule.

11. Bristol, Tennessee — Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES)

BTES has operated its OptiNet fiber network since 2003, making it one of the longest-running municipal broadband systems in the country. Serving the Virginia-Tennessee border community, BTES provides triple-play services (internet, TV, phone) over a 100% fiber-to-the-home network.

• Provider: BTES OptiNet
• Top Speed: 2 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 250 Mbps at $44.99/mo, 1 Gbps at $64.99/mo
• Year Launched: 2003

BTES has over 20 years of operational data proving the municipal model's sustainability. The network carries zero debt as of 2026 and generates surplus revenue that funds electric grid modernization for the broader utility system.

12. Clarksville, Tennessee — CDE Lightband (Clarksville Connected)

CDE Lightband serves Clarksville, Tennessee's fifth-largest city, with fiber-to-the-home service. Operated by the Clarksville Department of Electricity, the network covers virtually all 65,000+ homes in the service area and offers some of the most competitive pricing in the Southeast.

• Provider: CDE Lightband
• Top Speed: 2 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 200 Mbps at $42.95/mo, 1 Gbps at $59.95/mo
• Year Launched: 2008

CDE Lightband's pricing consistently undercuts AT&T and Spectrum by 25-40% for equivalent speeds. The network has been instrumental in supporting Fort Campbell's military community, where reliable internet is critical for remote work and family communication during deployments.

13. Sandy, Oregon — SandyNet

SandyNet is a testament to what a small city (population ~12,000) can accomplish. Located 30 miles east of Portland in the foothills of Mount Hood, Sandy built its own fiber network after years of inadequate DSL service from CenturyLink. The city-owned network now covers 95%+ of addresses.

• Provider: SandyNet
• Top Speed: 1 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 100 Mbps at $39.95/mo, 1 Gbps at $59.95/mo
• Year Launched: 2013 (fiber-to-the-home)

Before SandyNet, many Sandy residents were stuck on 1-3 Mbps DSL — speeds that made remote work and online learning impossible. The municipal network transformed the community, and Sandy's experience is frequently cited as a model for other small towns seeking broadband solutions. For more options in rural areas, see our Rural Internet Guide.

14. Westminster, Maryland — Westminster Fiber

Westminster Fiber launched in 2021 as part of the city's economic development strategy. Located in Carroll County between Baltimore and Gettysburg, Westminster invested in a fiber-to-the-premises network to attract businesses and improve quality of life for its 20,000+ residents.

• Provider: Westminster FiberNet (Ting Internet operates retail service)
• Top Speed: 2 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 1 Gbps at $89/mo (via Ting)
• Year Launched: 2021

Westminster followed the Huntsville model, partnering with Ting Internet for retail service while maintaining city ownership of the fiber infrastructure. This approach reduced the city's financial risk while ensuring high-quality customer service from an experienced ISP operator.

15. RS Fiber Cooperative — Rural Minnesota

RS Fiber Cooperative is not a single city but a cooperative spanning 10 townships and 17 cities in rural south-central Minnesota. Formed in 2016 when no private ISP would build fiber to the area, RS Fiber demonstrates that the cooperative ownership model can bring gigabit internet to even the most sparsely populated regions.

• Provider: RS Fiber Cooperative
• Top Speed: 1 Gbps (symmetrical)
• Pricing: 100 Mbps at $49.95/mo, 1 Gbps at $69.95/mo
• Year Launched: 2016

RS Fiber serves approximately 6,500 premises across a 700-square-mile area where population density averages just 25 people per square mile. The cooperative model — member-owned and member-governed — ensures that decisions about network investment are made by the people who depend on it.

How Municipal Broadband Works

Municipal broadband networks follow one of three primary models, each with distinct advantages depending on the community's size, resources, and regulatory environment.

Direct Municipal Operation

In this model, the city builds, owns, and operates the entire broadband network. The municipality acts as the ISP — handling installation, billing, and customer service. Cities like Chattanooga (EPB), Longmont (NextLight), and Wilson (Greenlight) use this approach. It gives the city maximum control and keeps all revenue local, but requires the most upfront investment and operational expertise.

Public-Private Partnership

Under this model, the city builds and owns the physical fiber infrastructure but partners with a private ISP for retail service. Huntsville (Google Fiber) and Westminster (Ting) use this approach. The city retains asset ownership while leveraging the ISP's experience in customer operations. This reduces political and financial risk while preserving long-term infrastructure control.

Open-Access / Virtualized Model

Pioneered by Ammon, Idaho, this model separates the physical network from internet service. The city builds the fiber and charges a small infrastructure fee. Multiple ISPs compete to offer service over the city-owned fiber, and customers can switch providers instantly through a software portal. This creates genuine market competition, drives down prices, and gives consumers real choice.

Cooperative Model

Broadband cooperatives like RS Fiber are member-owned entities similar to rural electric co-ops. Members invest upfront (typically through assessments or bonds), elect a governing board, and share in the cooperative's success. This model is particularly effective in rural areas where neither private ISPs nor city governments have the resources to build alone.

Regardless of model, municipal broadband networks are typically funded through revenue bonds (repaid by subscriber fees), electric utility cross-subsidies, general obligation bonds, or increasingly, federal grants from the BEAD program ($42.5 billion), USDA ReConnect, and American Rescue Plan Act funds. For an in-depth look at fiber technology, visit our fiber vs. cable comparison.

Benefits vs. Drawbacks of Municipal Broadband

Before advocating for municipal broadband in your community, it helps to understand both the proven benefits and the real challenges involved.

To explore the best fiber networks available nationally, including both municipal and commercial options, see our best fiber providers ranking.

How to Advocate for Municipal Broadband in Your City

If your community lacks competitive internet options and you believe municipal broadband could be the solution, here is a practical roadmap for making it happen.

Step 1: Research Your State's Laws

Before anything else, determine whether your state permits municipal broadband. As of 2026, 18 states have some form of restriction. If your state has barriers, advocacy at the state level may need to come first. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance maintains an up-to-date tracker of state laws.

Step 2: Build a Coalition

Successful municipal broadband campaigns are built on broad community support. Identify stakeholders: small businesses frustrated with commercial ISP pricing, schools needing better connectivity, remote workers, healthcare providers needing telehealth capacity, and senior centers. Form a citizens' broadband committee and begin attending city council meetings.

Step 3: Commission a Feasibility Study

Every successful municipal network began with a professional feasibility study. These studies (typically $50,000-150,000) analyze demand, costs, revenue projections, and construction logistics. Many cities hire firms like Magellan Advisors, CTC Technology & Energy, or Uptown Services. A strong feasibility study is the most important tool for convincing skeptical council members.

Step 4: Develop a Funding Strategy

Modern municipal networks have more funding options than ever. The BEAD program is distributing $42.5 billion through state broadband offices, with priority given to unserved and underserved areas. Additional federal sources include USDA ReConnect grants and Treasury capital project funds. Revenue bonds backed by subscriber fees are the most common local funding mechanism, allowing the network to pay for itself without general tax increases.

Step 5: Choose Your Model

Based on the feasibility study, choose between direct operation, public-private partnership, open-access, or cooperative ownership. Smaller cities may benefit from the partnership model (lower risk), while larger cities with existing utility infrastructure may prefer direct operation (higher returns).

Step 6: Campaign and Vote

Many states require a public referendum before a municipality can issue bonds for broadband. Winning this vote requires clear communication about costs, benefits, and timeline. Successful campaigns in Longmont, Fort Collins, and other cities focused on consumer frustration with incumbent ISPs, economic development benefits, and the long-term value of public infrastructure ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions About Municipal Broadband

Is municipal broadband actually faster than commercial ISPs?

Yes. Municipal fiber networks typically offer 1-10 Gbps symmetrical speeds, meaning upload and download speeds are equal. Most commercial cable providers like Xfinity and Spectrum cap download speeds at 1-2 Gbps but limit uploads to 35-50 Mbps. EPB in Chattanooga offers 25 Gbps residential service — faster than any commercial ISP in the country.

How much does municipal broadband cost compared to Xfinity or Spectrum?

Municipal gigabit internet averages $50-70/month with no equipment fees, no data caps, and no post-promotional price increases. Xfinity's comparable gigabit plan costs $80-100/month plus $15/month for gateway rental, and the price typically rises 40-65% after the 12-month promotional period ends. Over a 5-year period, municipal broadband saves the average household $1,200-2,400 compared to commercial ISPs.

Why do some states ban municipal broadband?

Eighteen states have laws restricting or banning municipal broadband, largely passed due to lobbying by incumbent ISPs such as Comcast, AT&T, and Charter Communications. These companies spent over $200 million on lobbying between 2010 and 2026 to protect their market positions. The industry argument is that government should not compete with private enterprise, though proponents counter that broadband is a natural monopoly similar to electricity and water, and that municipal networks increase competition rather than reduce it.

How is municipal broadband funded?

Municipal networks are funded through one or more of these sources: revenue bonds repaid by subscriber fees (most common), electric utility cross-subsidies (EPB, BTES), general obligation bonds, federal grants from the BEAD program ($42.5 billion), USDA ReConnect program, and American Rescue Plan Act funds. Most successful networks are financially self-sustaining within 5-8 years and do not require ongoing tax subsidies.

Can my city build municipal broadband?

It depends on your state's laws and your city's financial capacity. Cities with existing electric utilities have a natural advantage because they already manage infrastructure, have billing systems, and can share pole attachments. Cities without utilities can still succeed using partnership models (like Huntsville with Google Fiber) or cooperative structures (like RS Fiber). The first step is commissioning a professional feasibility study. If your city does not have municipal broadband, enter your ZIP code on our homepage to see all available providers in your area today.

What is the difference between municipal broadband and a co-op?

Municipal broadband is owned and operated by the city government, with elected officials overseeing the network. A broadband cooperative is member-owned, similar to rural electric co-ops, with subscribers paying a membership fee and electing a board of directors. Both are non-profit models that reinvest revenue into the network, but cooperatives are governed by their members rather than by city hall. RS Fiber Cooperative in Minnesota is the most successful example of the co-op model.