Is The Digital Strategy Just Empire Building

This was my submission to the Digital Strategy Hearing:

Looking at the “Digital Strategy” documents, it seems to me that it is going to be yet another example of Dunedin City Council empire-building: the expansion of Council responsibility into a new area. It may start off slowly, but I have no doubt that the bill will soon be millions of dollars.
But Dunedin has developed over the years, and is continuing to develop, a good digital network without any involvement of the DCC. Businesses and households already have many options of Internet services to meet their requirements and their budgets.
As some-one who spends 100% of my work-time connected to computer systems in other parts of New Zealand, and sometimes the world, the existing network is not a limitation on digital business in Dunedin.
City Wifi: No
The City Wifi network should not be extended, and the existing Octagen service should be closed down unless it becomes privately funded. A City service competes with commercial services such as mobile broadband. Accommodation providers and cafes can attract custom by providing Wifi to visitors.
City Help desk: No
Users should purchase computers from local specialist retailers who will provide support in return for custom.
Schools
It is not the responsibility of the Council to provide IT services to schools
Rural broadband
Ratepayers should not subsidise broadband services for rural areas.
Fibre to the Home
There is no business case for Fibre to the Home. People will not pay extra for it.
A new DCC Digital Manager: No!
The last thing this City needs is another manager, there are already too many. It also will be a sign that significant Council money is intended to be spent in this area in coming years.
Encouraging IT Businesses:
The best way that the City Council can encourage IT businesses, and other types of businesses, is to reduce rates and other Council charges and fees.

The Hearing Panel seems to be saying that not much Council spending will be required. Time will tell.