Madison being one of a growing list of Connecticut municipalities to commit to an initiative inviting telecommunications and other businesses for ideas to build and finance Internet service of up to 100 times faster than what online speed now delivers is simply a matter of good business.

Madison was one of the first towns in the state to sign up. The list has grown to 46 towns in recent days, including Branford and Guilford.

Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz, who are helping to lead the state effort, compare high-speed broadband to a critical utility, no different than electricity or home heating. They also promote it as a form of economic development to lure and keep businesses in the state.

"It's the ultimate infrastructure development," Lembo said.