Fiber Optic Internet for County
Recent Stories from MuniNetworks.org – a project of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Instructions for unsubscribing appear at bottom. Send feedback. Forward Widely.
“Localism Over Consolidation: An Exploration of Public Broadband Options” May 28th at New America Foundation in DC
Mon, May 19, 2014 | Posted by lgonzalez New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute will host “Localism Over Consolidation: An Exploration of Public Broadband Options” from 9:30 – 11 a.m. on May 28th. Chris will be participating in the discussion; if you can’t make it to DC, the event will be live streamed. Conversation will focus on different approaches to improve connectivity and community strategies to make those approaches successful. … Join us Tomorrow! …
Catching Up with the RS Fiber Coop in Minnesota – Community Broadband Bits Podcast #99
Tue, May 20, 2014 | Posted by christopher In the nearly two years since we launched this podcast with an interview from Minnesota’s rural Sibley County, the project has evolved significantly but the need for better Internet access remains a constant. Today, we interview Coop Vice-Chair Cindy Gerholz and Winthrop Town Manager Mark Erickson to get an update on the fiber-to-the-farm project. The Renville-Sibley Fiber project has transitioned from a municipal project to a cooperative. Local towns and a sizeable majority of townships will together issue an economic development bond to provide seed capital to the coop. We discuss the project, financing arrangements, and the need to make sure that no one is left behind. Stay up to date with the project on their website and Facebook. … Listen to the Show Here …
In Kansas, Chanute Explores FTTH Options
Wed, May 21, 2014 | Posted by lgonzalez Last December, we reported on Chanute’s decision to move forward with plans for a FTTH network. The community has a fiber and wireless network in place that serves utilities, public facilities such as libraries and schools, and several businesses. The network also provides free Wi-Fi across the community. As we discussed in our 2012 case study, Chanute developed its network incrementally over two decades with no borrowing or bonding. In a City Commission work session on May 5, officials reviewed several options for an FTTH network. In a nutshell, the City is contemplating their involvement in the operation of the future network. Utilities Director Larry Gates presented several options, reported the Chanute Tribune. … Read our In-Depth Coverage Here …
Princeton Voters Want to Bring FTTH to Their Rural Massachusetts Community
Thu, May 22, 2014 | Posted by lgonzalez On May 13, Princeton voters decided to continue their municipal network planning. At the annual town meeting, 91.4% of voters passed Article 4 [PDF], authorizing a new Municipal Light Plant. A year ago, voters approved a measureto proceed with planning. Princeton, a community of 3,300 households, has DSL access available to approximately 49% of residents. Satellite, dial-up, and wireless are the other options. Entrepreneurs rent office space in nearby communities with better connectivity. Real estate professionals bemoan bad Internet because it lowers property values. A 2013 survey revealed an overwhelming desire to take action. Residents and businesses want an FTTH option. … More Information Here …
“Connect With the World” in Mount Vernon on October 9
Fri, May 23, 2014 | Posted by lgonzalez Plan on spending Thursday, October 9 in Mount Vernon, Washington. Chris will speak with three other experts on creating a local environment attractive to the tech industry. The “Connect With The World” event will occur at Skagit Valley College‘s MacIntyre Hall from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. PDT. Other speakers will be: Mark Anderson: One of FORTUNE’s “100 Smartest People We Know,” Mark is a frequently sought after speaker around the world. His long- running weekly newsletter, Strategic News Service (SNS), counts a stellar readership, including the likes of Michael Dell, Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. Susannah Malarkey: Executive Director of the Technology Alliance, a statewide organization of leaders from technology businesses and research institutions dedicated to Washington’s long-term economic success. Craig Settles: Municipal broadband expert for journalists at CNN, the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Time Magazine and a host of business, technology and local media outlets. Mount Vernon’s municipal open access fiber network serves public entities and businesses within the City, in nearby Burlington, and in the Port Skagit area. … More Event Details Here …
Governing Looks at What the Comcast – Time Warner Cable Merger Could Do to Munis
Wed, May 21, 2014 | Posted by lgonzalez The debate surrounding the proposed Comcast Time Warner Cable mergercontinues. The Department of Justice and the FCC ruminate over the deal while the media speculates about the future. Governing recently published an article on potential side effects for the municipal network movement. Tod Newcombe reached out to Chris for expert opinion. From Governing: Partially thanks to Comcast and other cable giant’s lobbying, 19 states have already passed laws that ban or restrict local communities from setting up publicly owned alternatives to the dominant provider in the area. Municipalities that pursue publicly owned broadband often cite several reasons for their efforts, ranging from lack of competition and choices in the area to a desire for faster speeds at lower costs. But Mitchell fears the lobbying power of a combined Comcast-Time Warner would choke off what little leverage remains for local governments when it comes to gaining state approval to build publicly owned broadband networks. … Read the Rest of the Story Here … — You can always find our most recent stories and other resources at https://MuniNetworks.org
