Image
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
News
Verizon Calls for More Industry Consolidation
Remember our post that privately owned broadband networks tend toward consolidation? A Wall Street Journal article notes that Verizon CEO Seidenbuerg agrees:
Mr.
Background From Reedsburg, Wisconsin: Community Fiber Pioneer
David Isenberg, of isen.blog, has published a short history of Reedsburg's community fiber network that he previously wrote for the FCC when they were gathering evidence of successful networks they would later ignore in formulating a plan to continue the failed status quo of hoping pr
Analysis: Faster, Cheaper Broadband in North Carolina Comes From Community Fiber Networks
For years, the North Carolina General Assembly has considered bills pushed by cable lobbyists to ban community networks. A new analysis from the folks at MuniNetworks.org shows that community fiber networks offer the most advanced services in the state -- faster speeds at lower prices.
DC Publicly Owned I-Net Offers Free Wi-Fi for Tourists
Washington, DC, has greatly increased the available free Wi-Fi hotspots available to those hanging out on the National Mall. DC-Net is a massive fiber-optic network used by public agencies, schools, community institutions, etc. and offers connections that are faster, less expensive, and more reliable than could be achieved by relying on leased connections from private providers.
Putting Shareholders and Profits ahead of the Community
One of the key differences between community owned networks and those driven by profit is customer service. Community-driven providers spend more and create more jobs in the community to ensure subscribers' needs are met.
Another Chattanooga Update
Chattanooga continues to generate a lot of press since their announcement of the nation's fastest broadband speeds.
For those who crave technical details, this article from Cable 360 looks into the tech behind the network:
EPB contracted with Alcatel-Lucent as its GPON network supplier.
Wilson's Greenlight Puts Election Debate on TV
When a debate between candidates for Wilson's sheriff proved too popular by far for the scheduled venue, Greenlight stepped in to televise it.
Jon Jimison, Wilson Times editor, said his phone has been ringing off the hook since the debate at Fike High School was announced.
Florida Muni Dunnellon Building FTTH Network
Yet another town has decided to take responsibility for their broadband future: a small Florida community has secured financing and is moving forward with their publicly owned FTTH network.
Twin Cities Broadband in Slow Lane Compared to Nearby Small Community Network
Today, we at MuniNetworks.org have released the first of a series of regional broadband comparisons examining the benefits of community networks. We decided to start with the Minneapolis / St Paul area, where we live and work. Read the Analysis [pdf]
Wanna Be a Wonk? Understanding Regulatory Capture
In the world of essential infrastructure, thousands of years of history have taught us that entities, acting on their own narrow interest, cannot be trusted to build or govern the building blocks of commerce or transportation.
Maryland's $115 Million Federal Broadband Stimulus Award
Maryland received a very large award to connect hundreds of community anchors. This is an excellent use of public money (it will lower the future need for public money to fund local agencies).
Smart Grid Updates - Chattanooga and Ponca City
Communities with both smart-grid investments as well as community networks are again in the news, this time featuring Chattanooga, Leesburg, and Ponca City.
Nonprofit Fiber Helps Businesses in New York's Finger Lakes Region
A non-profit brainchild of the Ontario County local government in New York, Axcess Ontario, has built a fiber-optic ring in what used to be a broadband desert.
Spanish Fork Telephone Benefits Community
Spanish Fork, a well-regarded community broadband network, is now offering triple-play services on its hfc network. Previously, the town was offering broadband and television but recently added telephone after feeling the time was right.
National Carriers Kill Jobs, They Do Not Create Them
The Media and Democracy Coalition has released a short paper detailing the many ways in which cable and phone companies have failed America. These companies use their market power to gouge residents and businesses, putting a drag on our economy.
Intelligent Communities in US Invested in Community Networks
The Intelligent Community Forum has released their list of 2011's 21 smart communities.
The 2011 Smart21 ... highlights communities from 12 nations and includes 7 that appeared on last year’s list.
Fibrant Laughs at Time Warner Cable Puny Upgrades
As we wrote last week, Salisbury's Fibrant -- the newest community fiber network in the country -- launched last week and immediately saw Time Warner Cable respond with an upgrade to its cable plant that allowed it start advertising even faster speeds - a 50/5 tier of broadband (whether they actuall
Our Balkanized Broadband Future
Andrew Cohill has made some apt observations regarding a likely future of broadband in the United States. The thesis is that a few providers can effectively disrupt the likelihood of an entire community getting next-generation services by locking up key customers. And I agree.
Salisbury's Fibrant Launches, TWC Responds With DOCSIS 3
In North Carolina, Salisbury has launched the state's second FTTH network, as communities continue to build the next-generation broadband infrastructure in which their massive incumbent providers decline to invest. We have offered in-depth coverage of Fibrant as they prepared to launch the new services.
Comcast Customers Call for Competition
Two cities, located on opposite coasts, have recently cried out for cable competition in their communities.