Help Get the Word Out About Community Networks
What will we be talking about that the National Conference for Media Reform in Denver, April 5-7 of 2013?
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
News
Port Angeles' "The Mesh" Up and Running
Citywide Internet will soon be available as a monthly service in Port Angeles on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Mayor Cherie Kidd, Police Chief Terry Gallagher, and Councilwoman Brooke Nelson participated in a ceremonial "cable cutting" event last week.
Another Maryland Community Explores Network Possibilities
Not long ago, we brought you news about the status of the new network being constructed in Carroll County, Maryland. The County is partnering with local Maryland Broadband Cooperative to provide better service to local businesses.
"Models for Building Local Broadband" Forum Archive Now Available
On September 19th, the Urbana Champaign Independent Media Center (UCIMC) hosted "Models for Building Local Broadband: Public, Private, Coop, Nonprofit." Christopher Mitchell was one of several panelists who discussed local broadband options and challenges.<
Chattanooga Fiber Network Reduces Cost of Electricity to All Customers
The Chattanooga Gig continues to benefit the community.
SMBS Will Expand with 4G Wireless
We have shared updates on Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services (SMBS) as they roll out their fiber routes in Jackson and surrounding towns. Now, we want to share info about their use of wireless to compliment the fiber network.
Doc Searls on the Internet
Doc Searls is a terrific thinker who "gets" the Internet. He was one of several responsible for The Cluetrain Manifesto and his most recent book - The Intention Economy is on my short list of to-read books.
This video is no longer available.
Ohio Legislation Threatens Rural Landline Phone Service
Once again, consumers must fight to preserve their landline telephone service. This time, the Ohio General Assembly is pondering legislation that can end traditional service for up to 1 million Ohio residents.
Waukesha's WECAN Now Provides 1 Gbps to the Internet
Waukesha, Wisconsin now offers an ultra-fast connection for educational and government members. WiscNetWire reports that the region's Community Area Network (CAN) obtained 1 gigabit Internet capability in August.
National Association of Counties Covers South Carolina Laws to Restrict Community Broadband
The National Association of Counties (NACo) gave us permission to reprint an article they recently wrote in their County News publication. NACo advocates for county governments on federal policy that impacts local decsion and local control.
New Book Investigates How Big Companies Like AT&T Rip Us Off
A recent book by David Cay Johnston, The Fine Print, examines specifically how big companies have found ways to take advantage of the tax and regulatory systems to their benefit and to the detriment of consumers. The sad part - we don't even realize it.
Wired West Survey Shows Demand for Better Broadband in Rural Massachusetts
We have closely followed the efforts of WiredWest, the collaborative project involving 37 (and growing) towns in western Massachusetts. The group is currently collecting pre-subscription cards to show support for the project.
Lafayette's Community Fiber Video Discusses Local Benefits From Network
The LUS Fiber network owned by the city of Lafayette, Louisiana, was profiled in this nine minute video from the FTTH Council Conference. LUS Fiber has been an inspiring network - overcoming tremendous opposition from Cox cable and AT&T (formerly BellSouth).
Municipal Network SpringNet is Great for Local Businesses
On September 11th, we interviewed Todd Murren, Director of SpringNet, for our Community Bradband Bits podcast.
More Evidence for Looming Broadband Monopoly
DSLReports has accurately noted the continued decline of competition between DSL and cable providers. Heck, it seems like no large company wants to invest in the future of broadband in this country.
Santa Monica Named Among Top 15 Government Innovators
Congratulations to the city of Santa Monica, for adding another award to their long list. On September 18th, city leaders announced that InformationWeek 500 named the city to the 2012 list of technology innovators. Santa Monica is among the Top 15 Government Innovators.
Community Fiber Networks Conference November 8-9 in Danville, Virginia
The Economic Development Conference Series' first event, Community Fiber Networks, is scheduled for November 8 - 9, 2012, in Danville, Virginia. Dates and locations for later events will follow. The series is being produced by Broadband Communities Magazine.
"How a Municipal Network Can Help Your City" Archive Now Available
Last week, Christopher Mitchell of ILSR joined other broadband and municipal network experts to present the webinar "How a Municipal Network Can Help Your City" from the National League of Cities.