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Spencer, Iowa, Upgrading from Cable to Fiber
Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU) of Spencer, Iowa, will be replacing old copper cable with fiber this summer. According to the Daily Reporter, customers can expect the upgrade with no increase in rates.
"Level Playing Field" Padded With Public Dollars to Private Providers
Municipal broadband networks have been gaining traction across the country. It's easy to see why: In many rural and low-income communities, privately offered broadband services are nonexistent.
Princeton, Massachusetts, Considering Building Own Fiber Network
We recently reached out to Princeton, Massachusetts, after reading several local news articles about the city's ambition to improve broadband in the community.
The Urge to Create
A recent Wired article reminded me of the first time a friend tipped me off to the then-new Red vs. Blue videos (beware salty language, adult themes).
The First Honest Cable Company
This video is really making the rounds - I have seen it on multiple lists and many have forwarded it to me. I found it hilarous, but be warned that it features salty language that may be offensive to some and is probably NSFW.
Benton Public Utility District Brings Fiber to Richland, Washington
Benton PUD, located in south central Washington, recently expanded its fiber foot print through Richland and Rattlesnake Mountain. The move involved a collaborative effort between the City of Richland, the Benton PUD, and the Department of Energy.
In Georgia, Tech City Opposed HB 282 With Official Resolution
We were happy to report when HB 282 failed to advance on the floor of the Georgia General Assembly House in a bipartisan vote.
San Jose Launches Super Fast Wi-fi
San Jose launched its new, publicly owned, downtown free Wi-Fi on March 14th.
Christopher Mitchell to Join FCC Panel on Gigabit Communities
On Wednesday, March 26, Christopher Mitchell will be on the last panel at the Federal Communication Commission's Gigabit Workshop. The full agenda is here and starts at 9 AM EDT.
In Missouri, Nixa Considers Fiber Investment
Located in the southwestern corner of Missouri, Nixa has joined the growing list of local communities fed up with slow Internet access. A recent Rance Birger News-Leader article, describes the frustration of local tech CEO, Jeremy Bartley.
Palo Alto Mayor Calls for Expansion of Muni Fiber System to Secure City's Future
“Fiber is the key to assuring Palo Alto's long-term position as the Leading Digital City of the Future"
That was Palo Alto Mayor Greg Scharff who was giving his State of the City Address at Tesla Motors in February.
Open Access Network in Mount Vernon, Washington Created More Jobs and Government Savings
Mount Vernon, Washington, started building their own fiber optic network in 1995 and over the past 18 years have continued to add incrementally. While the network started as a way to connect a few municipal facilities, it has since expanded to nearby Burlington and the Port of Skagit.
Virginia Town Provides Free Wi-fi in City Park, Fiber to Community Anchors
Last summer, the city of Staunton, Virginia, sent out a press release about its new citywide free wi-fi service. Four hours later, a destructive storm ripped through Gypsy Hill Park knocking down trees and damaging buildings. Nevertheless, the equipment held on. Five days later, celebrants at the city's July 4th party used the free service in droves.
Cedar Falls Utility Gets High Bond Rating from Moody's
We have long been impressed with Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) in Iowa. They built an incredibly successful municipal cable network that has now been upgraded to a FTTH network.
Video: Burlington Telecom Coop Effort Moving Ahead
In December, 2012, a group of local residents decided to engage in an effort to turn beleaguered Burlington Telecom into a coop. The effort has advanced and the organization, Keep BT Local, continues to gain pledges.
To Improve Minnesota Broadband, Look to Lessons of Electrification
Steve Downer is the Associate Executive Director of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association, MMUA, and he previously served on the Blandin Foundation Strategy Board.
In Georgia, Monroe Muni Network Created Jobs, Lowered Bills
As we monitored Georgia's HB 282, a bill to limit the capacity of local governments to invest in Internet networks that spur economic development, we learned of many existing networks that have helped communities to thrive.
Christopher Mitchell at Freedom to Connect 2013
My presentation from Freedom to Connect on why we should support Community Owned Internet networks. Unfortunately, the video starts about 1 minute into the presentation. Please leave feedback below.
Rural Leverett Network in Western Massachusetts Moves Forward
Leverett, Massachusetts' broadband initiative has moved to the next phase in bringing fiber to residents. The town selectboard recently decided on a bidder to build the community owned network.
Colorado Town Plans Residential Survey For Community Owned Network
The town of Erie, Colorado, is conducting a residential survey as it considers a community owned network. Erie has about 18,000 residents and straddles Boulder and Weld Counties.