Community Broadband Media Roundup - July 23

California

Sonic Disrupts Potrero Hill by Jacob Bourne, The Potrero View

Last spring, Sonic, a Santa Rosa-based internet service provider, launched service in several San Francisco neighborhoods, including Potrero Hill, advancing an internet access alternative for residents and businesses. The growing company offers Gigabit Fiber Internet, which transmits data at a rate of 1,000 megabits a second, with download speeds 50 times the national average. Unlimited net access plus home phone service costs $40 monthly, low compared to major competitors. AT&T has a $40 per month internet access plan, with 50 megabits per second speed.

Internet provider Sonic expands into southern SF neighborhoods by Rebecca Aydin, San Francisco Chronicle

Pioneering Santa Monica Digital Program Wins Nationwide Recognition by Jorge Casuso, Surf Santa Monica

 

Colorado

Broadband network blueprint completed, next step securing funds for estimated $4.1 million project by Sasha Nelson, Craig Daily Press

The Moffat County Broadband Initiative — a joint effort of several local community anchor institutions, led by the city of Craig, Moffat County and the Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership — plans to fund construction through a blend of state and federal grants, as well monthly service fees from anchor institutions — the city, county, hospital, college and school district.

"We intend to apply for grants from Colorado Department of Local Affairs and U.S. Economic Development Administration, with local match dollars to fund the construction phase," said Michelle Perry, executive director of CMEDP. "I am pleased to see that we have found a way to make the MCBI network cash flow year over year with a one-time local contribution, and if we are able to secure grant dollars for the initial construction, we could have the local network ready to launch in a year's time."

 

Maine

Maine Broadband Authority Urges County Planning in Anticipation of Federal Funds by Collin Ellis, Morning Sentinel [Government Technology]

Maine Community Foundation offers grants for broadband access by MaineBiz

 

North Carolina

Rowan County Broadband Task Force Initiative releases survey to determine internet/broadband needs for county residents by David Whisenant, WBTV

 

Tennessee

Chattanooga Catches the Telehealth Bug by Craig Settles, Government Technology

 

West Virginia

County Commission hears broadband proposal by Mary Catherine Brooks, Wyoming County Report

 

General

Have a Problem With Your Internet Provider? The FCC Doesn’t Want to Hear About It by Kristin Houser, Futurism

Republicans Talk Rural Broadband, But Oppose Measure Democrats Say Would Help by Broadband Breakfast

Leading Republican leaders are content to talk up the significance of aiding rural regions by enhancing broadband deployment. But, at least according to this article from The Hill, are actively opposing measures, such as the Community Broadband Act, that Democrats say would help advance better broadband. 

Instead, Republicans favor legislation including H.R. 3994, which would establish an Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the Commerce Department, and the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, H.R. 4881.

Flexibility Needed To Unlock Rural Broadband, House Told by Kelcee Griffis, Law360