What happens when states ignore the powerful cable and telco lobbyists? Communities are free to experiment — and build some of the best Internet networks in the nation.

Consider little Sandy, Ore., a town of 10,000 between Portland and Mount Hood. 

Because Oregon doesn't restrict broadband competition as 20 other states do, Sandy built a municipal broadband network that’s now delivering world-class connections at affordable prices. Residents get 100 Mbps for $40/month and a gig for $60/month from Sandy Net Fiber. 

Sandy joins Longmont, Colo., Chattanooga, Tenn., and several other communities whose broadband networks offer some of the best connections in the country. Big cable and telephone companies have started advertising ultra-fast connections as well, but they typically cost much, much more and they often connect only a small percentage of a given community.

Meanwhile, community networks offer a real local choice, which results in more investment — and a much better deal for local businesses and residents. 

Learn more about the development of Sandy’s network here:

Christopher Mitchell is the director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.