This is great article in The Union which examines the various models for providing broadband to rural areas. As you have read I am keen to see Nevada County Fiber eventually become a community owned resource, thats focused on connecting people. The technology I am deploying supports an Open Access model that would allow for choices of ISP over the a single fiber. Just 10 years ago we were comfortable with 6Mbps, and now that feels like an old dial up connection. I believe that in the future we will all need a dedicated fiber to each home and its likely that we will soon be comfortable with 1Gbps, and in not too long 10Gbps won't be unusual!
Here is a link to the article from The Union