A broadband cooperative is different from traditional internet providers because it is owned by the people who use it—not by a large corporation. This means decisions are made locally, revenue is reinvested in the community, and service is designed with the people’s best interests in mind.
Here’s why the broadband co-op model is a good fit for communities like yours—especially in areas where traditional providers have fallen short.
Subscribers to the broadband service own the co-op and get a say in how it runs, including voting on leadership and key decisions.
A local steering committee is guiding the project until the co-op is up and running, when members will elect a board to lead ongoing decisions.
Instead of going to outside shareholders, profits are reinvested into making the network better, expanding coverage, and keeping service accessible.
Broadband co-ops and traditional internet providers may offer similar services, but the way they operate is very different. This comparison shows how a community-owned model puts people first, with decisions made locally and profits reinvested to serve the public good.
Feature | Broadband Co-Op | Traditional ISP |
|---|---|---|
Ownership | Community Members | Private Company |
Decision Making | Local Control | Corporate Headquarters |
Long-Term Focus | Community Driven | Profit Driven |
RuBICON is taking a different approach to broadband internet—building a co-op that is owned by the people it serves. That means faster internet, fair pricing, and a focus on community needs, not corporate profits.
Subscribers are members and have a say in how the service runs—from leadership to key decisions.
Each subscriber gets one vote, and members choose who serves on the board. Every voice counts equally.
Subscribers are also co-op members, helping decide how funds are used and supporting the network through their subscriptions.
RuBICON is run by and for the community. Even when partnerships are formed, control stays with the members.
Members are kept in the loop with updates, resources, and opportunities to learn how the co-op works.
RuBICON may partner with other co-ops or groups to expand its impact and share knowledge.
Every decision is made with the long-term success of the community in mind.
