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Municipal Networks and Small ISP Partners to FCC: Title II Not a Problem
A group of municipal leaders and their private sector small ISP partners submitted an ex parte filing with the FCC today stating that they see no reason to fear Title II reclassification of Internet access. The statement, signed by a variety of towns and providers from different areas of the country is reproduced in full:
Dear Chairman Wheeler,
Grover Beach Chooses Local Partner to Improve Local Connectivity for Businesses
After several years of considering options for a municipal network, the community of Grover Beach, California, is improving local connectivity options through a collaboration with private partner Digital West.
Still Time to Register for F2C 2015…But Hurry!
If you are still contemplating whether or not to trek to New York City on March 2nd and 3rd for Freedom to Connect 2015, now is the time to take action.
Boulder Uses New Found Authority to Offer Free Wi-Fi
Just two months after voters passed ballot measure 2C, the City of Boulder is solidifying plans to offer free Wi-Fi throughout the downtown Civic Area, reports the Boulder Daily Cam
Community Broadband Media Roundup - February 13, 2015
The FCC’s decision to change the definition of broadband continues to make ripples in the muni broadband world. With the speed increased from 4 Mbps down, 1 Mbps up, to 25 Mbps down, 3 Mbps up, 75% of the country is now classified as having either no service, or no choices for their Internet connection.
38 Next Century Cities Leaders Sign Letter to FCC Supporting Local Authority
President Obama suggested restoring local telecommunications authority while visiting Cedar Falls in January and a number of local elected officials were ready to back him up.
Time Warner Cable Successfully Blocks Funds for Community Network in Maine; Project to Continue
Time Warner Cable recently fought to prevent a collaborative project in Maine from receiving $125,000 in state broadband funding, reported the Bangor Daily News.
Minnesota Border to Border Broadband Awards Announced
The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development recently announced the recipients of the Border to Border Broadband grants, funding established by the state legislature in 2014 to facilitate rural broadband projects. Seventeen public and private entities will share a total of $19.4 million in Greater Minnesota.
Comcast Ghostwrites Letters From Elected Officials to FCC
It is common knowledge that Comcast and a number of political leaders enjoy special relationships. Nevertheless, it was still a bit shocking to see the level at which Comcast's army has infiltrated the political process as uncovered in a recent Verge article.
Community Networks Map 2015 Fact Sheet
As of January 2015, more communities than ever before have realized the value of publicly owned broadband infrastructure.
In order to introduce our updated Community Networks Map to advocates of better broadband, policy makers, and community leaders, we created the Community Networks Map fact sheet.
Local Communities Still Committed to RS Fiber Cooperative
Green Isle and nine other communities have reaffirmed their commitment to the RS Fiber Cooperative, reports the Belle Plain Herald.
Community Broadband Media Roundup - February 1
The mayors of 38 US cities came out this week to let the FCC know they want the authority to build high speed Internet networks. Jon Gold with Network World covered the story and reminded readers of the more heavy-handed tactics of
Time Warner Cable Takes Maine Lawmakers to Exclusive Hotel for Lobbying Tryst
Time Warner Cable began lobbying Maine legislators at the dawn of the legislative session, reports the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting.
Voters Resoundingly Approve Broadband Measure in Estes Park, Colorado
On February 3rd, voters in Estes Park voted 92 percent to reclaim local authority to establish a telecommunications utility. The result follows a greater trend in Colorado where eight communities made similar decisions last fall.
Broward County Saves with Fiber Network in Florida
In 2014, Broward County completed its transition from an expensive leased data, video, and voice communications system to its own fiber network. The southern Florida county is now saving $780,000 per year with plenty of room to grow.
Supporters Rally Behind Wheeler, Chattanooga, and Wilson: "I Recommend Approval"
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler released a statement yesterday supporting the concept of local authority for community broadband infrastructure.
An Update on Utah's UTOPIA Open Access Network
For the facts on all things UTOPIA, we turn to Jesse Harris at FreeUTOPIA.org. In his latest post, he provides an excellent bullet list of the key factors in Macquarie's Milestone 2 proposal. An excerpt From his post:
