More cities eye broadband bandwagon

High-speed networks would compete with private-sector offerings

Local governments in the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado are looking at going head-to-head with private Internet service providers to build super-fast broadband networks they say are critical to their communities’ economic health and that private companies aren’t providing.

But these governments’ efforts may do even more, spurring private companies to offer faster service at lower prices in places where cities also are in the game.

Comcast, for instance, promotes lower pricing for its fastest tier of Internet service in cities around the nation, such as Chattanooga, Tenn., and…