News

Another Telecom Exec Calls for Less Competition

on Dec 10, 2010

As part of our continuing effort to shed light on the tendency of privately owned telcos and cablecos to consolidate rather than compete, we would like to note comments from Qwest's Chief Financial Officer.

Interview with Wilson's Greenlight Community Fiber Network

Christopher Mitchell

on Dec 9, 2010

This is a good 5 minute interview discussing what Wilson has done to build the first citywide FTTH network in North Carolina.

Bristol Virginia Utilities Refinances Debt

Christopher Mitchell

on Dec 8, 2010

BVU, which operates OptiNet (the nation's first triple-play muni FTTH network), has transitioned from being owned by the City to being an independent authority. In its last fiscal year (2010-11), the public power utility finished with net income. OptiNet finished ahead of projections.

Associated Press Ignores Muni Broadband Successes

Christopher Mitchell

on Dec 7, 2010

The AP says Burlington Telecom may be a cautionary tale for cities around the the country that contemplate building their own networks.

Using Faster Broadband

Christopher Mitchell

on Dec 6, 2010

Chattanooga's Times Free Press explained how locals are using the nation's fastest broadband network.

To communities that seize broadband initiative, benefits flow fast

Christopher Mitchell

on Dec 4, 2010

On November 29, 2010, MPR published our commentary about community broadband. The Twin Cities has slower and more expensive broadband Internet than the nearby town of Monticello. The Twin Cities metro area has a population of 2.8 million and the highest density of people and businesses in the state.

Rural Washington Network, Chelan PUD, Increases Speeds and Expands

Christopher Mitchell

on Dec 3, 2010

The Chelan Public Utility District in Washington state is upgrading network capacity as it starts expanding the network following its broadband stimulus award.

Barbara Van Schewick on Innovation and Architecture

Christopher Mitchell

on Dec 1, 2010

Barbara Van Schewick, author of Internet Architecture and Innovation, describes the important role of openness on the Internet, what that means, and how to preserve it. Thanks to the New York Chapter of Internet Society for hosting her.

Comcast, Level 3, Peering, and a Bad Best Case Scenario

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 30, 2010

So Comcast and Level 3 are in a peering dispute following the Netflix partnership with Level 3 to distribute their streaming movie service.

Vermonters Angry at Wireless Broadband Stimulus Grant Instead of Fiber Loan

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 29, 2010

Vermonters are asking some hard questions about the federal broadband stimulus decision to throw money at a wireless network for Vermont rather than loaning money to an organization dedicated to delivering real broadband.

Monticello Shows Rural Does Not Have to Lag Urban Broadband

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 28, 2010

Two weeks ago, we released an analysis showing that the private broadband providers in the Twin Cities of Minnesota could not keep up with the small, community fiber network in nearby Monticello.

Dilbert Explains Telco, Cableco Pricing Strategy

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 27, 2010

Verizon Calls for More Industry Consolidation

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 26, 2010

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

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 24, 2010

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

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 23, 2010

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

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 22, 2010

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

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 21, 2010

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

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 20, 2010

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

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 19, 2010

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

Christopher Mitchell

on Nov 18, 2010

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.