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Blueprints for BEAD: Stakeholders May Use Rebuttal Power to Prevent New Errors in BEAD Maps
By mid June, we will have blown past the halfway mark in the BEAD challenge process - with more than thirty states having completed their “challenge windows” and another handful set to close imminently. But the “challenge window” is only part of the overall challenge process, and there are reasons for communities to stay engaged with the process even after that window closes. Communities - don’t sleep on the rebuttal window!
Houston, Missouri’s Municipal Fiber Network Revs Up City’s Economic Development Engine With Big City Connectivity
In the Show Me State, the City of Houston is nearing completion of its municipal fiber network. City officials say its "been one of the best things to come in recent years.” And while the city’s two-man operation is still in its infancy, getting to this point was no small task.
Event: How to Build a Public Broadband Network
Tune in June 11 for the third and final installment of a new webinar series aimed at local government leaders thinking about building publicly owned networks. Hosted by the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) and the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society - both veteran organizations in this space - the event aims to unpack key considerations in the building and operation of community-owned networks.
New Report: Neighborly Networks - Vermont's Approach to Community Broadband
In partnership with the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, today ILSR releases a new report examining how the state of Vermont is supercharging its telecommunications infrastructure efforts to reach the unconnected by investing in community broadband-driven efforts.
Destination Crenshaw Breathes Life Into 'Open Air Museum' and Emerging ‘Digital Equity Zone’
How Destination Crenshaw is transforming the Crenshaw District in South Central Los Angeles into an "open air museum" embedded within a “Digital Equity Zone.” The initiative includes "pocket parks," murals, free community WiFi, and a proposed open-access fiber network.
Yellow Springs, Ohio Eyes Next Steps After Successful Fiber Trial
Yellow Springs, Ohio recently launched a fiber pilot project currently being used by 100 local homes and businesses. While Yellow Springs hasn’t yet determined its next steps, city officials say they considering some type of public-private partnership with Altafiber.
Countdown To Next Building For Digital Equity Event: ‘Pathways To Affordability’
As FCC Chair Jessica Ronsenworcel this week laments the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the next Building For Digital Equity event is ready to address the now-what question. Slated for June 10 from 3 to 4:15 PM ET, the upcoming #B4DE will focus on “Pathways To Affordable Connectivity” and will serve up plenty of food-for-thought and actionable intel for those working in the trenches to bridge the digital divide.
Connect Humanity, Microsoft Join Forces to Fund Appalachia Broadband
The nonprofit digital equity organization Connect Humanity has struck a new partnership with Microsoft to fund the deployment of affordable broadband access to long neglected residents of Appalachia. Connect Humanity unveiled the IDEA fund last year, stating the $25 million effort would collaborate with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to “create opportunities for local capital to invest in broadband infrastructure” across 13 Appalachia states.
Minnesota Strikes Down Preemption Laws Blocking Municipal Broadband
Minnesota legislators have repealed the state’s preemption laws that prevented cities and towns in the state from providing municipal broadband services. The rollback means that the number of states with laws that limit municipal broadband is now down to 16 states.
Wilbraham, Massachusetts Takes First Step Toward City-Owned Fiber Build
Wilbraham, Massachusetts officials are taking the first steps toward building a city-owned open access fiber network – with an eye on boosting local competition and delivering affordable, next-gen broadband access to local residents. The city is currently identifying which company it will hire to deploy fiber to the city of 14,749 with a formal plan to present to voters expected by October.
Net Neutrality Is Really A Debate Over Monopoly Power
As the FCC has restored both net neutrality and its Title II authority over Internet access providers, smaller ISPs and municipalities worry the new rules saddle them with burdensome regulations as punishment for the sins of much larger companies. But the FCC, state leaders, and consumer groups insist the rules should be a net benefit all the same.
UTOPIA Fiber Welcomes Three Additional ISPs, Expands to 18 Partner ISPs
Utah-based UTOPIA Fiber has added three additional ISPs to its open access network, expanding the total number of partner ISPs to 18 now offering affordable fiber service to residents in the 21 cities UTOPIA serves.