Resource Guide

Public-Private Partnerships (P3s)

Both public and private entities bring strengths and weaknesses to the table when it comes to broadband investment, and neither sector can wholly address the digital divide without the other. Increasingly, communities and private sector entities are forging innovative public-private partnerships to deliver broadband while maximizing reward and minimizing risk.

These partnerships are not cookie cutter—in fact, no two look quite alike. It is up to the participants to determine what model, and what partner(s), best meet their needs. These resources explore what works about public-private partnerships, and provide rich case studies and guidance for getting started:

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Guidebook

An introduction to effective public-private partnerships for broadband investments

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

This report explores different models of broadband partnerships, discusses what factors communities should consider when developing a partnership model, and collocates recommendations and best practices.

Report

The era of the broadband public-private partnership: New trends and opportunities in the wake of COVID-19

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

This report discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a number of trends in broadband, leading to a significant wave of public-private collaboration.

Report

2021 Indigenous Connectivity Summit policy recommendations

Internet Society (ISOC)

Each year, the Internet Society produces a report summarizing the policy recommendations that surfaced at its annual Indigenous Connectivity Summit. This set of recommendations includes best practices for supporting inclusivity, community consultation, and engagement with Indigenous communities.

Guidebook

Smart city utility partnerships video playbook

US Ignite

This compilation of video resources includes discussions from cities and utility companies about their partnership business models, how to build shared goals, and best practices for project implementation. The resource covers both broadband partnerships and other smart city applications.

Report

Successful strategies for broadband public-private partnerships

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

This paper discusses best practices and risks when developing public-private partnerships, and includes three case studies. It also highlights the importance of communities retaining some level of agency for future decision-making when developing agreements with partners.