We, the undersigned, support the establishment of a municipal broadband network in the town of Milton, Massachusetts. 

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We believe a municipal broadband network - guided by community values and not distant shareholders' values - will put the telecommunications needs of our community first, to the lasting benefit of Milton's residents, town government, local businesses and non-profits.

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We recognize that since 2017 the Select Board has made significant progress towards this goal, with efforts that produced an in-depth cost and design report for a new, municipally owned, 100% fiber optic broadband network.

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​In this petition, we the undersigned urge the Milton Select Board to take the necessary next steps towards the establishment of a municipal broadband network.

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Furthermore, we the undersigned:

• Recognize that as a global communications system the internet constitutes a vital component our civic infrastructure, on par with transportation networks, water systems, and power grids. 

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• Recognize that reliable and affordable internet access is a basic necessity of life.

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• Recognize that in Milton internet access is dominated by Comcast, a near-monopoly in town whose role as gatekeepers to a vital component of our civic infrastructure is a detriment to the Milton community.

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• Are resolute in our belief that the most profitable solution for Milton stakeholders - both today and for decades to come - is the establishment of a municipal broadband network.

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We, the undersigned, strongly believe that Milton's Municipal Broadband Network will:

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• strengthen community, family, workplace, and business bonds, as the covid pandemic has made abundantly clear the urgent need for high-quality, affordable, and reliable digital communications.

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• help mend persistent social, racial, and economic inequalities with an unwavering commitment to universal access and affordable pricing for all.

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• easily meet all the connectivity, data, and speed needs of our schools well into the future.

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• provide increased resiliency and flexibility to all other municipal agencies, particularly our first responders, DPW, and libraries.

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• lower the cost of internet access for all Milton stakeholders, now and decades into the future.

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