Municipalities Are Missing a Prime Broadband Opportunity in the Data Center Boom

An op-ed published by Next City argues that municipalities across the U.S. are missing a significant opportunity to improve local connectivity by narrowly focusing on data centers as merely land-use battles. Lindsay Miller, a broadband strategist based in Columbus, Ohio, contends that communities primarily debate data centers in terms of their electricity and water consumption, tax abatements, and job creation, often pitting economic development against environmental and infrastructure strain. Miller asserts that data centers are crucial nodes in communication networks, and communities should view their development as a chance for thoughtful broadband infrastructure transformation. She highlights that broadband providers, essential stakeholders in laying fiber and building connectivity, are frequently absent from discussions. As an example, she points to a recent Columbus City Council hearing on data center development where no internet providers or broadband experts were present. This oversight, Miller explains, leads to decisions based on incomplete information, neglecting the potential for communities to leverage data center networks to enhance local connectivity. She suggests negotiating public benefit agreements that incorporate community connectivity needs, workforce development, and digital skills programs. The article concludes by urging local municipalities to develop a comprehensive "community digital ecosystem" vision, ensuring widespread, affordable access to meet the needs of residents, government, and businesses, thereby transforming data center debates into opportunities for collective connectivity advancement.