City Manager Dave Pokorney is realistic about what broadband means for Chaska - perhaps more realistic than the companies pushing municipal Wi-Fi projects.

"We get reporters calling all the time, thinking everyone is running around holding up their laptops," he said in a recent phone interview. "The biggest draw is affordable high-speed Internet in the home. People who didn't feel they could afford or justify high-speed can now have it."

But Chaska's experience shows that broadband societies aren't created overnight. And for some portion of the population - people who can't afford or don't want computers, for example - cheap or free broadband won't be a presence in their lives. "This isn't a panacea," admits Earthlink CEO Garry Betty. "It isn't going to solve all the problems of the world. But it does provide people with alternatives."

Unlimited usage, always on, internet access, Plus; 5 email accounts and 10 MB web space for $16.99 per month.

Connection speeds are comparable to cable or DSL. Most users will experience speeds that are approximately 1Mb bi-directional, but speeds may fluctuate between 250k and 3Mb.

said by TKJunkMail :

The only question not being asked is - Is the service making enough to cover the cost of the Bonds that financed the project?

said by FAQ :

Q) Does the chaska.net service stay connected 24/7 or does it have to connect every time I want to use it?

(A) The chaska.net service is an "always on" connection. We will be requiring that users log on via a web page to utilize the service, but this will only happen once every 24 hours.

said by TOS :

Processes run by your Account must be run interactively. Unattended processes will be terminated.

"Processes" means bots, server processes such as ftp, telnet, http, ssh, smtp, pop3, etc. running on an automatic or manual basis.

Chaska may terminate unattended or inactive connections. The User shall be responsible for any connection overage charges resulting from extended usage or failure to disconnect.