MUNICIPAL BROADBAND: Southwick’s Survey Strategy Draws Criticism for Lack of Clarity and Transparency

[Southwick] As Southwick moves forward with plans to potentially build a town-owned fiber optic network, significant questions about the survey process designed to measure community support have emerged. Select Board member Diane Gale has publicly criticized the survey’s effectiveness, pointing out its failure to adequately inform residents about what subscribing to the municipal network would actually entail. Notably, the survey did not clarify that the network would offer only internet connectivity without the bundled services typically provided by commercial ISPs like Comcast Xfinity. This omission has sparked concerns about potential misunderstandings among residents regarding the changes and costs associated with the transition.

Gale’s critique highlights a missed opportunity for genuine transparency in gauging public interest, as the survey’s framing could lead to skewed perceptions of the project’s benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, Gale expressed worries about the financial feasibility of the project, which hinges critically on achieving a 50% take rate among potential customers. If this rate is not met, the financial burden could shift to taxpayers, necessitating increased service charges or subsidies. This development poses significant implications for Southwick’s fiscal health and underscores the need for meticulous project planning and community consultation to avoid taxpayer liabilities.