Rural broadband isn’t just about streaming movies or Zoom calls. It’s about keeping your community thriving in a world that’s moving faster than ever.
But getting reliable, high-speed internet out to rural areas is tough. You’re caught between limited resources, complicated partnerships, and the pressure to deliver.
So, what’s the solution?
Should your electric cooperative team up with public entities, go private, or find a hybrid partnership that fits?
We’re here to lay out the facts and help you make the call that will bring fiber broadband to your community without the headache.
What is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)?
A public-private partnership is simply when a public organization, such as a local government or an electric cooperative, teams up with a private company to tackle a project that neither could easily complete on their own.
When it comes to rural broadband, this means your community or co-op works alongside private internet providers, contractors, or tech experts.
The idea is to combine public funding and local know-how with private-sector efficiency and innovation, so fiber networks get built faster and smarter, right where they’re needed most.
Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships for Rural Broadband
PPPs bring some real advantages for communities still waiting on reliable high-speed internet:
Stretching Budgets
By mixing public money with private investment, PPPs unlock more funds than either could alone, making projects more affordable.
Sharing the Load
One of the biggest advantages of a public-private partnership is that it spreads the responsibility. Instead of one organization shouldering the entire financial and operational burden, both sides contribute—making the project more manageable and sustainable. With clearly defined roles and shared goals, partners can move forward with greater confidence and collaboration.
Playing to Strengths
Public partners understand the community and focus on making sure everyone gets connected. Private partners bring the tech skills and experience to build and run the network smoothly.
Faster Builds
When everyone knows their role and works together, fiber gets built quicker, bringing better broadband to your community sooner.
Challenges of Public-Private Partnerships
Like anything involving multiple partners, PPPs can take time to get everyone on the same page. Bureaucracy and differing priorities (for example, public goals vs. private returns) can slow things down.
Knowing these potential roadblocks up front helps you build a partnership that moves forward instead of getting stuck. With the right approach, PPPs can be a powerful way to bring better broadband to rural communities.
What are Private Partnerships?
Private partnerships are broadband projects led and managed almost entirely by private companies.
These efforts rely primarily on private funding, decision-making, and operations, with little or no direct involvement from public agencies.
In rural areas, this means private internet providers take the reins, from planning and building to maintaining the network.
Advantages of Private Partnerships
Private partnerships often bring a fresh level of innovation and agility to rural broadband projects.
Without layers of government bureaucracy, these companies can make quick decisions, adapt to new technologies, and move projects forward faster.
Drawbacks of Private Partnerships
While private partnerships move fast, they can leave some communities behind. Since private companies focus on returns, areas with lower population density or less buying power might see underinvestment or slower service.
Costs can also be higher for consumers because the business needs to cover expenses and generate profit.
And with less public involvement, communities often have less say in how their broadband services are shaped or prioritized.
Which Model Works Best for Your Community?
When it comes to bringing fiber broadband to your community, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing between a public-private partnership (PPP) and a fully private partnership depends on what your community values most, the resources you have, and your long-term goals.
The best model for your community hinges on what matters most to you: Is it controlling the network and making sure every neighbor gets connected? Or is it tapping into private investment and speed to market? Often, a blend of both approaches offers the strongest path forward.
That’s where partnering with Conexon comes in.
We help electric cooperatives and communities navigate these options, set up subsidiary businesses or serve as your comprehensive operational ISP to bring fiber broadband to where it’s needed. We’re here to guide you through the complexities, so you can make informed decisions and get your community connected.
Partner with Conexon
At Conexon, we understand the unique challenges electric cooperatives face when expanding into broadband. That’s why we don’t just offer advice; we roll up our sleeves and guide you through every step.
Expertise you can count on
With years of experience focused solely on rural broadband, we know what works and what doesn’t.
Tailored solutions
Your community is unique, and so is our approach. We design strategies that fit your local needs and resources.
End-to-end support
From business planning and engineering to funding and operations, we’re there with you all the way.
Committed to your success
Our goal isn’t just to build networks but to build lasting partnerships that help your community thrive.
Get in touch with our team to get started or learn more.
FAQs
What should electric co-ops look for in a broadband partner?
Look for a partner who understands rural communities, brings technical expertise, and offers a proven track record working with electric co-ops to bring fiber broadband to rural communities. You want someone who can guide you through funding, planning, construction, and long-term operations—not just show up for the ribbon cutting.
What’s the difference between a public-private partnership and a private one?
A public-private partnership (PPP) combines local knowledge and public funding with private-sector know-how to get fiber built efficiently. A private partnership puts most of the control—and the risk—in the hands of a private company. The right model depends on your goals, but many co-ops find that a hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds.
Are private broadband companies a good option for rural projects?
They can be—if speed and innovation are the top priorities. But without public oversight, private companies may prioritize profit over reach, which could leave less-populated areas underserved. If equitable access is your goal, you’ll want a partner who values community impact as much as efficiency.
What are the risks of working with the wrong partner?
The wrong partner could overpromise and underdeliver, leaving your community with delays, cost overruns, or a network that doesn’t meet your long-term needs. You need a partner who’s in it for the full journey—not just the flashy launch.
Why do so many co-ops choose Conexon as their broadband partner?
Because we know co-ops. We specialize in rural fiber broadband, tailor our approach to each community, and stick with you from strategy to connection. Whether you’re exploring PPPs or building your own network, we bring the expertise and support to help you succeed—without losing control of your vision.