AAPB Creates Mentorship Program for Public Broadband

The American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) has launched a mentorship program intended to connect communities exploring broadband network ownership with cities and towns that have successfully built public networks.

While public, or municipal, broadband projects are increasing, there are still significant challenges facing municipalities looking to operate a public network, including complexity, existing laws, and incumbent resistance.

The AAPB is hoping to grow public broadband by connecting “mentees” to people who have had success with it already and increase education opportunities and the sharing of expertise.

“We’re excited to match AAPB members with communities seeking to take control of their broadband futures,” said Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of AAPB. “We want to demystify the process for those communities that want to ensure that everyone in their city or town has affordable access to everything that broadband enables, and we believe that our members that own their broadband infrastructure are the best people to do that.”

AAPB is opening mentor and mentee enrollment to “any interested city or town,” and have set up online applications to become a mentor or mentee.