New Michigan Bar Journal Article: "The Internet and Municipal Broadband Systems"
A recent Michigan Bar Journal article by attorney Michael J.
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
News
New Video on Economic Development and High-Speed Connectivity in Tennessee
Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities has released another quality video focused on restoring local telecommunications authority. This three minute feature describes the importance of high speed connectivity to local economic development.
Op-Ed: Community Broadband Networks Drive NC Economy
The Roanoke Daily Herald published this op-ed about local government action for broadband networks on September 25, 2015. We were responding to an earlier Op-Ed, available here.
Debate on Municipal Networks by Federalist Society Now Available
Our own Christopher Mitchell recently participated in a debate hosted by the Federalist Society. You can now listen to the debate at the Federalist Society website. We think it offers an intelligent airing of different points of view.
Parker Lecture Scheduled for October 20th; Honoring Everett Parker
The United Church of Christ Office of Communications, Inc. (UCC OC), will hold its annual Parker Lecture on October 20th at 8 a.m. in Washington, D.C., at the First Congregational Church. This year's lecture will be especially meaningful because on September 17th, Rev. Dr. Everett C. Parker, known for his groundbreaking work with public rights in broadcasting, passed away at the age of 102.
DC-Net Delivers Public Savings
Washington, DC, continues to operate an incredibly successful municipal network. Created in 2007, the municipal government’s 57-mile fiber optic network, DC-Net, provides connectivity to government buildings and community anchor institutions that are health or education based.
Carrier Neutral Facilities Creates Big Savings in Steamboat Springs
On July 6th and 7th, much of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, lost phone and Internet when a fiber line was cut, creating a public safety hazard.
Video on OpenCape: How Cape Cod Created a Fiber Network
Almost ten years ago, Dan Gallagher, a technology director at Cape Cod Community College, could not get the bandwidth the college needed from incumbent service providers. After communicating with others in the areas, it soon became clear that a number of others shared the same experience.
Community Broadband Media Roundup - September 25
Georgia
Peachtree City approves fiber optic plan AJC.com
Ohio
Fairlawn steps closer to creating municipal broadband utility by Sean Patrick, Akron.com
Digital New England Community Broadband Summit Webcast Live
If you are not able to attend the Digital New England Community Broadband Summit in Portland, Maine, you are in luck. The conference is being webcast live from NTIA's Digital New England Community Broadband Summit website.
Paul Bunyan Communications Wins Award for GigaZone
Sometimes we just want to celebrate a small victory for local communities. Back in June, Paul Bunyan Communications won the 2015 Leading Lights National Award for Most Innovative Gigabit Broadband Service.
Avoid Partisan Fights with a Personal Face on Economic Development
The following commentary comes from Mike Smeltzer, one of the key people responsible for the UC2B network in the Illinois twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. Mike had this comment after a question about how we can elevate local bipartisan conversations from the local level to the state and federal level without getting lost in political bickering.
Orono and Old Town Receive Funding for Fiber in Maine
The Old Town-Orono Fiber Corporation (OTO Fiber), the entity created by the cities of Old Town and Orono in Maine to design, install, maintain and manage a planned fiber network, recently received a grant for $250,000.
Join MAG-Net Campaign on Prison Phone Rates and Lifeline Program Funding
The Media Action Grassroots Network recently launched a fall campaign, Fight for Our #RightToConnect, an appeal to the FCC to expand the Lifeline program to include coverage for broadband and to place a cap on prison phone rates. From MAG-Net:
Albany, NY Proposes Feasibility Study for Municipal Broadband Service
In July, the city of Albany, NY released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified consulting firms to conduct a feasibility study for a municipal broadband service.
We're Hiring! Internet Policy Research Associate / Writer / Journalist
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is seeking a Research Associate for our Community Broadband Networks Initiative. This is a full-time position based in our Minneapolis office.
Dark Fiber Network Saving Money, Generating Revenue in Burbank
ONE Burbank, the dark fiber network that has provided connectivity for studios since 1997, is bringing a number of benefits to Burbank schools and taxpayers, reports
Westminster Homes Now Receiving Gig Internet Access From Ting
After several years of planning, deployment, and the formation of a partnership with Ting, Westminster's fiber network is now serving its citizens.
Community Broadband Media Roundup - September 18
Georgia
City to study building broadband service by Ben Nelms, The Citizen
Call to Action! Sign People's Brief Supporting Network Neutrality
To try to stop the Network Neutrality rules established earlier this year, big cable has filed suit against the FCC in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Advocates have drafted a brief to let the court know that the people are not willing to give up Network Neutrality. In a matter of days, that brief will be filed with the court.