Since the 1970s, fiber optic cables have connected computers together to make up what we call the internet. It’s how your internet service provider connects cities together. It’s how cellphone towers work. It’s what makes undersea intercontinental connections happen. It is now becoming increasingly popular to run these cables directly into homes and businesses in order to provide the best possible quality and speed. These advantages are why the Holland BPW started offering these types of connections way back in 1992. This new Holland Fiber proposal is simply a plan to expand their existing small-but-already-successful network.

In Holland, you have essentially one option for internet; Comcast (rebranded “Xfinity”) in the City, or Charter (rebranded “Spectrum”) on the north side. Alternatives are AT&T’s “U-verse” DSL (much slower for the same cost), slow and expensive satellite internet, or a cellphone network with spotty coverage.

Comcast knows that they’re effectively a monopoly in our city. That’s why, when this new millage was proposed, they created “Protect Holland Taxpayers”; a scare-tactics shell fund to funnel corporate money to influence our local election. This fund has been cold-calling our residents, sending unsolicited fliers through the post, and running ads in our city.

They would rather retain their monopoly and keep raising prices, forcing contracts, enforcing data caps, and providing poor customer service than risk having to compete in the free market through the BPW's open access plan. “Protect Holland Taxpayers” is funded by Comcast to protect their interests, not ours.

To address the smear campaign’s arguments head-on:

Dear reader, I ask you to think if you have any friends or family anywhere that currently have access to a fiber connection. Do you know anyone? Give them a call or write them a note and ask them what their experience has been. I think you’ll find the conversation enlightening. I am voting "yes" on Aug. 2 and I hope you will join me. Learn more from local resident advocates at hollandfiber.org, or from the BPW’s website at hollandcityfiber.com.

— Leo Herzog is a resident in the city of Holland and IT Project Manager for Hope College. Views expressed are his own.