Whenever a new technology promises to change our lives for the better, you can be sure that big cities will be first in line. That's where the customers are, so private-sector providers are eager to invest. Smaller cities and rural counties can't offer the same density that makes markets profitable. That's why many places are challenged to provide reliable, affordable high-speed broadband to businesses and residents. 

It means they have to work a little harder to make themselves investment-worthy. And it can be done with smart planning, good execution and a surprisingly small amount of money. In this video, ICF explains how the city of Hillliard, Ohio, USA - home to 38,000 people - invested in the core elements of a network to attract private carriers to build much more and generated economic gains in a remarkably short time.