Or we could build out the Seattle Meshnet and own the infrastructure ourselves.

Hard to make a case when there are so many pervasive options coming on line (or already existing).

For example, Wimax/LTE wireless broadbands. We're already seeing 5G speeds in South Korea and elsewhere (100Mbps+). I've been using Clear Wimax since 2006 and still find it the best deal going.

Then there's fiber from Century Link. 12/20/40 Mpbs are affordable (where the fiber is, which, I understand, is not Seattle).

Google's plan last I heard was to roll out free 10 Mbps to everyone who wants it, but charge cable rates for the good stuff, 1Gpbs. They are also benchmarking 10Gbps.

Oh, and Freedom Pop.

4G wireless broadband

http://www.freedompop.com/

You buy the wireless router and the service is free. No monthly charges.

@2, the google rollout has Portland on their map to explore the possibility, but not Seattle.
None of the others are gigabit speed.
And even the google plan doesn't say they will support Portland city wide.

Exchanging one inadequate corporate overlord for another isn't a solution.

Frank Blethen thinks the only person who should have a monopoly on anything is Frank Blethen.

@2 "I've been using Clear Wimax since 2006 and still find it the best deal going."

And that's why no one takes you seriously.

Google will explore bringing Fiber to 34 new cities including Portland and Atlanta

"Between now and then, we’ll work closely with each city’s leaders on a joint planning process that will not only map out a Google Fiber network in detail, but also assess what unique local challenges we might face," Google says. That includes studying topography, housing density, and local infrastructure.

Potential cities will also be pitching in to help move that effort along, completing "a checklist of items that will help them get ready for a project of this scale and speed." "For example, they’ll provide us with maps of existing conduit, water, gas and electricity lines so that we can plan where to place fiber," Google says. Cities will also attempt to help Google tap into existing infrastructure like utility poles so the company doesn't have to carry out unnecessarily digging or put up new poles where they already exist.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/19/542633…

Google fiber isn't coming here. Where it chooses to go probably will not involve topography that looks anything like Seattle.
Where it does choose go, will they deploy city wide, or just where it is easy and exceedingly profitable, just like their selection of cities?

#7

Guess they figured, why help the enemy?

Microsoft fiber?

Maybe living in a high tech city has its disadvantages.

That is, when you're on the team that's losing.