Heartland makes five main arguments against public FTTH systems: (1) there is no need for municipal entry because robust competition exists among private-sector broadband providers, which are currently meeting, and will continue to meet, America’s broadband needs; (2) there is no evidence that municipal investments in broadband technology lead to faster economic growth
or higher personal incomes; (3) the private sector is more efficient that the public sector; (4) municipal projects typically encounter higher than expected costs and large operating losses borne by taxpayers; and (5) municipal broadband networks are very risky ventures. None of these contentions holds up under analysis.