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Mitchell Shook

CEO
Advanced Stream

Mitchell Shook is the Founder and CEO of Advanced Stream, an open-access fiber internet service provider operating across Washington, Utah, Idaho, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and California.

With nearly three decades of experience since founding Advanced Stream in 1997, Mitchell helped pioneer the development of the open-access broadband model in the United States and is widely regarded as a leading advocate for public broadband, or consumer-owned open-access networks.

Advanced Stream works closely with cities, counties, public utility districts, cooperatives, and regional authorities to establish open-access fiber networks that allow multiple internet providers to compete in serving residents and businesses.

Mitchell views internet access as a new utility—an “information highway” whose ownership belongs in the public trust. He believes broadband infrastructure should function no differently than public roads: the community owns the roadway, and consumers are free to choose which “car” to drive.
When multiple ISPs compete over a shared network, prices fall and service quality improves. Because costly infrastructure is shared under a consumer-owned public broadband model, ratepayers gain meaningful choice among providers and increased accountability, rather than being locked into monopoly control.

In addition to leading Advanced Stream, Mitchell enjoys collaborating with policymakers, engineers, and municipal leaders to expand open-access opportunities for consumers. He is known for blending deep operational experience with a clear, community-first vision of broadband as a modern essential utility—much like roads, water, and power—designed to serve the public interest over the long term.

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