community broadband

Content tagged with "community broadband"

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No Shareholders, Just Service: Sherwood, Oregon’s Community Broadband Success - Episode 634 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Mayor Tim Rosener and IT Director Brad Crawford of Sherwood, Oregon, about the city’s journey in building a community-owned broadband network. 

They discuss Sherwood's unique approach to expanding fiber access, how they’ve leveraged Urban Renewal funding to support the network’s growth, and their commitment to keeping service affordable for residents. 

The conversation highlights the importance of local control, the economic benefits of broadband investment, and Sherwood’s expansion into surrounding rural areas. 

Tune in to hear how Sherwood is proving that community broadband can be both cost-effective and high quality, all while prioritizing local service and support.

This show is 22 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

Championing Community Broadband in Montana with Representative Kelly Kortum - Episode 633 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Representative Kelly Kortum of Montana to discuss his efforts to repeal a law that restricts municipal broadband networks in the state. Drawing on his personal experience growing up in a small Montana town with limited Internet access, Representative Kortum shares how his passion for technology has shaped his advocacy for better broadband for rural communities.  

The conversation explores Montana’s existing barriers to broadband expansion, including outdated legislation favoring incumbent cable companies and the impact of federal funding programs like ARPA and BEAD. Representative Kortum highlights the critical role cooperatives and nonprofits, like Yellowstone Fiber in Bozeman, play in bridging the digital divide. Together, they emphasize the importance of local control in infrastructure development and the broader implications of equitable broadband access for innovation and economic growth.  

Tune in to learn how one legislator is working tirelessly to empower small towns across Montana with faster, affordable Internet and to challenge corporate control of connectivity.

This show is 17 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

NEK Broadband’s Big Merger and Bold Vision - Episode 627 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Ry Marcattilio and Christa Shute, Executive Director of NEK Broadband, to discuss the evolving landscape of community broadband in Vermont. They explore the transformative merger of NEK Broadband and CVFiber, now covering 71 towns, and the innovative ways the organization is bridging connectivity gaps in one of the most rural and economically challenged areas of the state.

The conversation highlights NEK’s strides in workforce development, with local job training programs for broadband installation and maintenance, as well as partnerships with the Vermont Community Broadband Board and state funding efforts that have secured over $100 million in grants. Christa shares the importance of affordability programs like the NEK Digital Equity Pilot to sustain connectivity for low-income residents following the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program.

This show is 30 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

Clarksville’s Leap to Next-Gen Broadband - Episode 613 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Christy Batts, Chief Broadband Officer at CDE Lightband, and Amanda Cherry, Customer Experience Supervisor, to explore the exciting developments in Clarksville's municipal broadband network. They discuss the town's transition from Active Ethernet to XGS-PON, a significant upgrade that promises multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds and increased efficiency. 

Christy and Amanda share insights into the challenges of upgrading 30,000 customers while maintaining high service standards and the ongoing efforts to future-proof Clarksville's network. They also delve into the unique aspects of operating in a military town, the importance of underground infrastructure in new developments, and the innovative use of AI for customer service training. 

Tune in to learn how Clarksville is setting a new standard for municipal broadband and ensuring a robust, reliable service for years to come.

This show is 32 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

Building a Superior Network Together - Episode 612 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Stephanie Becken, the Broadband Manager for the City of Superior, Wisconsin. Stephanie shares her journey from moving to Superior to becoming a key figure in the Connect Superior initiative, a project aimed at improving broadband access in the city and surrounding areas.

They discuss the unique qualities of Superior, a city of 26,000 people located on the shores of Lake Superior, and the challenges and opportunities that come with expanding broadband in a region with such a large footprint. Stephanie explains the phased approach to building an open access fiber network, the city's recent formation of a broadband utility, and the collaboration with local and regional service providers.

The conversation also touches on the importance of connectivity for local businesses, residents, and essential services, and the excitement surrounding the initial phase of fiber installation. Stephanie expresses her enthusiasm for the project's potential to transform the community and looks forward to a future where reliable, high-quality internet is the norm for all Superior residents.

Tune in to hear more about this inspiring local initiative and the drive to bring top-notch connectivity to the people of Superior.

This show is 24 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

Bridging the Digital Divide in LA County - Episode 608 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Eric Sasaki, Manager of Major Programs for the Internal Services Department at the County of Los Angeles. They delve into the ambitious efforts by Los Angeles County to address digital equity and broadband access for its diverse and populous communities. 

Eric shares insights on the county's vision for solving the digital divide, highlighting the historical context of infrastructure investments, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strategic use of federal funding from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. 

The discussion covers the county's innovative approaches, including the deployment of community wireless networks and the importance of public-private partnerships. Eric also emphasizes the county's commitment to affordability, multilingual support, and collaboration with cities and community-based organizations. 

Tune in to learn about the significant strides being made to ensure quality, affordable internet access for all residents of Los Angeles County.

This show is 38 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

Broadband by the People, For the People - Episode 607 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Gigi Sohn, Executive Director at the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB), and Bill Coleman from the Benton Institute and Community Technology Advisors. The discussion centers on the importance of community-controlled broadband networks and the recent initiatives by AAPB to promote and defend these networks.

They discuss the challenges and benefits of building public broadband networks, the role of community support and leadership, and the varied models and paths communities can take to establish their own networks. 

The guests also highlight successful case studies, discuss the significance of public ownership in ensuring equitable access and local control, and emphasize the need for robust community engagement and education.

The episode also explores the increasing enthusiasm and commitment to public broadband initiatives and offers valuable advice on strategic planning and the leverage communities have in negotiating with incumbents.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the strategic, financial, and social considerations involved in establishing community broadband networks and the transformative impact these networks can have on local communities.

You can find the "Own Your Internet: How to Build a Public Broadband Network" handbook here.

This show is 39 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

The Success of Urbana-Champaign's Broadband Revolution - Episode 601 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Paul Hixson and Mike Smeltzer to discuss the transformative UC2B (Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband) project. Paul Hixson, co-chair of UC2B and former CIO of the University of Illinois, and Mike Smeltzer, often referred to as the "father of UC2B," share their insights and experiences from the inception of the initiative to its current status.

The conversation delves into the origins of UC2B, which received initial funding through an NTIA grant as part of the 2009 Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The project aimed to build a robust fiber optic infrastructure to serve the Champaign-Urbana area, including underserved neighborhoods and a wide array of anchor institutions like schools, libraries, senior centers, and even a Zen meditation center.

They discuss the significant impact UC2B has had on local broadband competition, driving other providers to improve their services and infrastructure. Paul and Mike reflect on the challenges and successes over the past decade, highlighting the public-private partnership that has been crucial to the project’s sustainability and growth. As of today, UC2B is nearing the completion of its goal to provide high-speed fiber access to every home and business in Champaign-Urbana, demonstrating a model for community-driven broadband initiatives nationwide.

Join us to learn about the history, challenges, and triumphs of UC2B, and get inspired by the potential of community broadband projects to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth.

This show is 31 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

Unlocking Community-Driven Broadband Initiatives with Brian Snider - Episode 593 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this podcast episode, Christopher engages in a discussion with Brian Snider, the founder of Lit Communities. They explore Brian's extensive background in the broadband industry and delve into the importance of community-driven broadband initiatives in today's landscape.

Chris and Brian emphasize the need for innovative business models to effectively address the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to high-quality broadband services for all communities. Additionally, they shed light on the complexities of navigating private equity involvement, highlighting the importance of community empowerment in managing broadband infrastructure.

The episode concludes with Brian underscoring the pivotal role of education and workforce development in shaping the future of the broadband industry. He also emphasizes the necessity for communities to take control of their broadband destinies.

This show is 40 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show: please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

Fiber Fusion: Navigating Municipal Fiber Networks with Traverse City Light and Power - Episode 583 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

This week on the first podcast of the year, Christopher speaks with Scott Menhart, the Chief Technology and Information Officer of Traverse City Light and Power. TCLP, a utility company, serves the 13,000 dedicated residents in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Chris and Scott discuss the history of the TCLP and the benefits of building a municipal fiber network for Traverse City, Michigan. They also discuss the role of fiber and how TCLP's use of it with supporting the electric grid led to them expanding its services over the years to include broadband internet access.

Despite the challenges they face from major companies, Chris and Scott conclude the conversation by emphasizing the importance of staying the course with proper planning with building small, successful broadband networks for their communities.

This show is 34 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.