Community Broadband Media Roundup - December 17

Florida

Lakeland may rehire broadband consultant as high-speed Internet service debate gets new life by Mike Ferguson, The Ledger

Massachusetts

Small American town rejects Comcast – while ISP reps take issue with your El Reg vultures by Kieren McCarthy, The Register

It's a remarkable example of small-town America standing up to a corporate giant but it remains to be seen whether it acts as a template or a warning to other towns across the country. If nothing else, by putting all its work out there, Charlemont have given the US a blueprint for municipal networks.

Comcast rejected by small town—residents vote for municipal fiber instead by Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica 

Minnesota

Blue Earth County Board looks to expand broadband options by Trey Mewes, Mankato Free Press

Meeker County to invest in broadband expansion over next decade by Cam Bonelli, Litchfield Independent Review

Ohio

Akron explores FairlawnGig services by Cassaundra Smith, Akron.com

Pennsylvania

Pa's lack of rural broadband may be underestimated by John Finnerty, The Herald

In Comcast’s hometown, the chasm between Internet haves and have-nots looks intractable, new census data shows by Bob Fernandez, The Inquirer 

Rhode Island

BIPCo to seek broadband connection by Cassius Shuman, Block Island Times

Wisconsin 

County board opens the door to broadband by Steve Sharp, Watertown Daily Times

"Internet is not a luxury, it's a necessity," she said. "I want the people in our communities to have all the advantages (others have)."

General

New FCC data indicates future broadband access for most Americans will be a monopoly

by Ernesto Falcon, Electronic Frontier Foundation 

The faster the speed you want, the fewer choices are available to you until, like a majority of Americans, you effectively return to monopoly options or no options at all. 

FCC Communications Marketplace Report finds high cable prices, uncompetitive broadband markets by Shiva Stella, Public Knowledge

One year after the net neutrality repeal: the FCC has abdicated its role protecting consumers and competition by Gigi Sohn, ProMarket

Compromise Farm Bill would raise USDA broadband loan and grant budget by Joan Engebretson, Telecompetitor

Poor people should get slower Internet speeds, American ISPs tell FCC by Kieren McCarthy, The Register

FCC panel wants to tax Internet-using businesses and give the money to ISPs by Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica