A Tale of . . .
Municipal nets show new models for local competition.
By David S. Isenberg. In 1994, the city of Stockholm chartered a company named Stokab to provide dark fiber to all comers at cost-based rates. In an amazing two years, Stokab built a 96-fiber pedestal on virtually every city block in Stockholm. The city envisioned a virtuous circle where advanced infrastructure led to an educated workforce, a prosperous economy, and an attractive lifestyle. In addition, Stockholm did not want multiple competitors digging up its historic streets time and time again.