It's not my place, particularly in this forum, to make recommendations regarding UTOPIA. This is a Utah based initiative to bring fiber optic capabilities to the home.

My stand on fiber to the home is well documented. I'm for it. If my home town can decide on a whim that my house, standing since 1866, must immediately be surrounded by curb, gutter and sidewalk, why, the possibilities are endless. Certainly a city father, after quiet reflection, could decide that I need fiber to my home.

And there is no need for fancy MPLS tunnels. Just drop my fiber to a common hub, make this hub available to providers, either by community based fiber or by vendor fiber. Then allow me to cross connect to the vendor. That way the vendor could be responsible for all aspects of network operation. I, as a responsible home owner, could be responsible for the fiber connection. It could work.

So, if you live in a Utah community that has opted for UTOPIA, know this. Your city council is being asked to co-sign on one big, expensive loan. There is a bit a roll of the dice, betting that not only fiber to the home is a good idea, but, also, that UTOPIA's brand of network is going to be profitable.

Be sure to get the facts, form an opinion, and then contact your favorite city official. There have been many articles recently in the local papers. Search the Deseret Morning News or the Salt Lake Tribune, key word UTOPIA, for more information. This is an important issue for the future of network access in Utah.

Dyanmic City, potential operator of UTOPIA, has informtion on its web site. Check it out.

Oh, and has anyone else wondered about the irony of the calling it UTOPIA. Has anyone read the book? Curious.........
8:33:07 AM    comment []