Letter to the Editor: Take the Decorah Fiber Pledge

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Decorah Telecommunications Utility Board chair Jarrad Walter):

"The citizens of Decorah voted 93 percent "Yes" in November of 2015 to form a municipal communications utility board to explore the possibility of establishing a municipal fiber-based communication service in Decorah. Since then, many other Iowa communities similar to Decorah (such as Indianola, New Hampton and Vinton) have moved forward with building out fiber-based communication networks in their communities. Since 2015, communities similar to Decorah that have built fiber networks and offer Internet, Cable TV, and Phone are seeing growing take rates of 50 percent and higher. In just two years of operations the take rate in Waverly is already over 50 percent, while Cedar Falls and other Iowa municipals have take rates well over 70 percent.  Like Decorah, these communities recognize the importance of reliable, high speed, fiber-based broadband to their futures.

The rate with which the community subscribes to a municipal network ("take rate") is a key parameter of a sustainable business model. This service will thrive financially if enough of the community residents and businesses take the service. This is why Decorah's Telecommunications Utility Board is running the current pledge campaign. The  board is asking each and every resident and business owner in the city to review the pledge, the proposed services offered, and the estimated prices. If you feel that the services offered at the proposed pricing meet your needs, please make the pledge. 

This new pledge information will factor into an updated business model along with improved estimates for network construction costs, financing and staffing levels to provide quality service based on other local communities' experiences. Together this information will help determine if Decorah should proceed.

Some may recall a telephone survey that coincided with the feasibility study the City of Decorah commissioned last year. At that time the sample survey reached 400 participants by phone. The consultant's methodology processed those results and concluded that not enough Decorah residents and businesses would subscribe to Internet, Cable TV, Phone, or some combination of the three to make it a viable endeavor to build a fiber network.

Since then much has changed and much has been learned. We ask each and every residence and business to learn about the advantages of a fiber based municipal communication utility (www.ourbroadbandfuture.com/why-better-broadband-matters) and fill out the pledge online. You can link to the pledge page via the City of Decorah website, the city's Facebook page, or directly at www.ourbroadbandfuture.com/decorah

Thank you in advance for informing yourself about the campaign!"