Powell, Wyoming, population 5300, found itself suffering the same dearth of quality broadband service that many rural communities experience. So the small town has joined 40 other communities scattered around the US in rolling out their own fiber optic system. The town already has its own power company, so expanding public utilities is not a novel concept. But the question as to whether broadband is a luxury or an essential service is a new debate. "As a city administrator, I hear the term 'economic development' thrown around," said Zane Logan, the leading voice behind Powell's CityNet project. "I can't think of anything more economic-development minded than a fiber optic network." Spokespersons with Qwest and Bresnan Communications beg to differ. They say their companies already meet customers' demands with high-speed, high-quality services. "It is hardly understandable or prudent for a community to do that where there's already an extended marketplace thriving in their community," said Jerold Lambert, associate general counsel for Bresnan. He also hinted that there may be "legal implications" regarding the contract the town has entered into with regional carrier TCT to provide services over the $6 million network.