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Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
Master the Basics of Broadband with ILSR’s Christopher Mitchell on Merit Webinar
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Need better Internet access in your community but don’t know where to start? Want to educate your local leaders on broadband solutions but they can’t tell DSL from fiber optic?
Join the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s Christopher Mitchell on Tuesday, May 5 at 12 p.m. ET for a webinar on broadband basics as part of Merit’s Michigan Moonshot Educational Series. The conversation will introduce various broadband solutions and technologies, giving participants the necessary foundation to start working on better Internet access locally.
Merit, a statewide educational and research network run by Michigan’s public university system, is hosting the event. Michigan Moonshot is Merit’s effort to improve Internet access in the state by collecting accurate data, disseminating educational resources, influencing policy decisions, and connecting communities to funding.
ABCs of Connectivity
Christopher’s presentation, on Tuesday, May 5 at 12 p.m. ET, will “explore the trade-offs, capacity, and economics behind common Internet access technologies, including cable, DSL, mobile wireless, fixed wireless, satellite, and fiber optic,” according to the event page. The webinar will aim to give participants “the confidence to engage in broadband discussions, debates, and efforts to improve broadband Internet access.”
This introduction is ideal for residents, community leaders, and business owners who want to engage with local efforts to increase connectivity. If you already have a good understanding of broadband technologies, consider inviting local officials or stakeholders to the webinar to build their knowledge.
Sign up online in advance for the webinar link.
Dust up on the Rules
Merit is also hosting a second webinar later in the month titled “Local Community Broadband: A Good Answer to Internet Connectivity.” The presentation, scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 12 p.m. ET, will explore the opportunities and the legal considerations of a community broadband project, including regulatory barriers. Currently, Michigan state law requires that all communities participate in a specified bidding process before developing a publicly owned network.
The speakers for this webinar are Jim Baller, of Baller Stokes & Lide and Coalition for Local Internet Choice, and Michael Watza, of Kitch Drutchas Wagner et al. Jim has a wealth of experience with community broadband initiatives, and we rely often on his analysis of state laws that restrict municipal networks. Michael will also share from his experience with local broadband efforts. “Going head to head with an often overbearing telecommunications industry, Mike has helped several Michigan-based communities fight through legal barriers,” the event page shares.
Register separately for this event on Merit’s website.
For more, view previous webinars from the Michigan Moonshot educational series.
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