As more communities devise their own broadband solutions, leveraging the upcoming funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, what makes for successful efforts that are responsive to community needs? This is the second of six case studies that seek to understand the stories of broadband community champions and the factors that contributed to their success.
Unlike many communities in Michigan, every resident in Holland is served by one of two incumbent internet service providers. However, available speeds, network quality, and provider options negatively impacted educational outcomes, work-from-home opportunities, and overall quality of life in the area.
Today, Holland has taken a significant step forward by awarding a contract to develop and construct a publicly-owned open-access fiber network that will span across the entire city. This case study explores the contributions of Pete Hoffswell, Broadband Superintendent at Holland Board of Public Works. Pete built upon the community’s history of promoting the common good while acknowledging and surmounting his own personal limitations to positively impact connectivity in his community.
Read the full article here.