By aggressively and effectively conducting needs analysis throughout its various government departments, cities can find cost savings, productivity improvements and revenue increases that more than offset the investment in the network. These financial benefits can provide the wherewithal to address digital inclusion or other goals with getting the general public better Internet access.

There are also possible partnerships that can be formed with businesses, medical facilities and educational institutions (grade school through college) that can help cities underwrite the cost of the network. These relationships can also expand the network’s reach throughout these cities.

The key to following this path to success comes from a thorough needs assessment, and an evaluation of a range of possible business models. Too many cities got caught up in the hype of one particular model, one that was fatally flawed. But more importantly, one model, one technology or one financing strategy does not fill all cities.

Hopefully cities such as Wichita will continue to put careful thought and practical reason into these decisions. And it’s great to see that they’re moving forward rather than throwing in the towel. There’s gold in them thar WiFi hills. You just have to know how to mine it.