Bozeman City Commission Votes to Create Nonprofit Bozeman Fiber
When we last checked in on Bozeman, the City Commission had approved a Technology Master Plan.
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
News
Community Broadband Media Roundup - May 15
Community Broadband Stories, by State:
California
A Disconnected Valley: SCV's high-speed technology crawls by Jana Adkins, Signal Santa Clarita Valley
Happy Friday! New Funny or Die Video Spoofs Cable TV Bundles
Funny or Die offers up a new video, If Everything Was Bundled Like Cable, starring David Koechner. None of us like paying for stuff we don't use, and television channels are no exception. Here are some examples of that same model as it applies to other everyday activities.
"I don't like your way! Fix it!"
North Carolina Files Petition Opposing FCC Ruling to End Anti-Muni Laws
It took a while, but the State of North Carolina finally decided to take its turn at the throat of the FCC. Attorneys filed a Petition for Review in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals similar to the one filed by the State of Tennessee in March.
Decorah, Iowa, Considers the Future of MetroNet
Decorah, named an "All-Star Community" in part due to benefits from their internal fiber network, is now exploring new ways to utilize MetroNet.
Princeton, Mass, Setback in Muni Fiber Quest
Folks in Princeton, Massachusetts have anxiously awaited better broadband for about two years as community leaders explored ways to deploy fiber in the community.
Yet Another Homeowner Led Astray By Giant ISP; Responds with Muni Fiber Initiative
Last month, we highlighted the story of Seth, a Washington state homeowner forced to put his home up for sale due to a perfect storm of sloppy customer service, corporate bureaucracy, and terrible Internet policy. Now meet Dave Mortimer from Michigan.
Longmont's NextLight Offers Businesses, Residents Third Fastest Internet In the U.S.
Ookla finds the third fastest Internet access in the U.S. is located in Longmont, Colorado, reports the Times Call.
Indiana County Saving With Fiber in Pennsylvania
Indiana County, Pennsylvania's County Commission recently voted to use its fiber optic network for telephone service reports the Indiana Gazette.
Huntington Determined to Bring Fiber to Town
Community leaders from Huntington, West Virginia, are the latest to announce they are determined to bring publicly owned infrastructure to town.
Video Available: Connecticut Gigabit State Event
On May 5th, Christopher participated in a panel conversation presented by the City of New Haven and the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel. Video of the event, Moving Towards A Gigabit State: Planning & Financing Municipal Ultra-High-Speed Internet Fiber Networks Through Public-Private Partnerships, is now available.
Community Broadband Media Roundup - May 8, 2015
State-by-State Community Network Coverage
Maine
Bangor panel argues state must invest in broadband or fall behind by Nick McCrea, Bangor Daily News
Seattle Times Supports Universal, Affordable Municipal Network
The Editorial Board of the Seattle Times wants Mayor Ed Murray and his administration to put affordability and ubiquitous access near the top of the list as it considers a municipal fiber network.
Dakota County Expanding Fiber Network
Minnesota's Dakota County community leaders are planning to expand their existing fiber optic network, reports Blandin on Broadband's Ann Treacy. She attended a recent County Commissioner's meeting in which commissioners approved $1.2 million to add another 500,000 feet to the network.
ECFiber Adds 1,000th Customer; Continues to Expand in Vermont
In April, ECFiber connected it 1,000th customer in Thetford Hill. Users at the First Congregational Church, described as the oldest meeting house in the state, have nothing but kudos for ECFiber and their new high-speed symmetrical Internet access. From the press release [PDF]:
Paul Bunyan Communications Spreading Fiber Across Northern MN
The northern half of Minnesota, despite its rural character, is rapidly improving in high quality Internet access. Paul Bunyan Communications, the cooperative serving much of the Bemijdi area, began work on its GigaZone network last fall and the network is snaking its way across the region.
Chris to Speak in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 5th
On Tuesday, May 5th, Chris will speak at an open meeting to provide information on municipal fiber networks. The community is in the process of exploring the possibility of investing in infrastructure to improve local connectivity.
The city formed its task force in 2014 and are in the process of establishing a relationship with a consultant to help them move forward.
Charles Benton, Champion of the Public Interest in Telecom, Passes
The world of media education, communication policy, and philanthropy is mourning the loss of Charles Benton who passed away on April 29. He lived a long life encouraging and empowering individuals and communities to use technology to improve their quality of life.
Vallejo Commits to Develop Fiber Master Plan
Vallejo recently hired Jory Wolf, CIO from Santa Monica, to help develop a fiber optic master plan, reports the Times Herald.
FCC Opens Spectrum; Creates Citizens Broadband Radio Service
On April 17th, FCC Commissioners voted unanimously to expand the use of spectrum previously reserved for U.S. Army and Navy radar systems. The FCC Report and Order creates the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) which establishes rules for shared use by licensed and unlicensed users.