Kansas Anti-Competition Bill Authored by Cable Lobbyists
We learned a lot today about the anti-competition bill (SB 304) in Kansas to limit Internet network investments.
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
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Businesses Mount Opposition to Anti-Competition Cable Bill in Kansas
In a very quick turnaround, a number of prominent companies have signed on to a letter opposing the Kansas bill to block competition for existing Internet providers, like Time Warner Cable.
Early Reactions to Anti-Competition Broadband Bill in Kansas
Following the introduction of SB 304 to limit investment in Internet networks in Kansas, which we covered on Tuesday, we saw some early reactions from those who fear the bill will effectively stop new investment in networks, much to the benefit of the big cable and telephone companies already
Ponca City Fiber: Serving Businesses, Schools, and Offering Free Wi-Fi
Its extensive free Wi-Fi has brought Ponca City into the limelight but the mesh network did not appear overnight. The community effort began with miles of fiber network that provide connectivity and enable the mesh network financially and technically.
Kansas Legislature Introduces Bill to Limit Internet Investment
Get updates to this story here.
With Senate Bill No. 304 [pdf], the Kansas Legislature will consider a bill to revoke local authority to build networks.
Policy Brief: Building Community Broadband Access
In partnership with the Center for Popular Democracy, we have created a new policy brief: Building Community Broadband Access. We offer examples of communities that have acted to improve access by using smart strategies that facilitate community owned networks.
Minnesota Broadband Conference February 4 - 5
Mark your calendar to attend Boarder to Boarder Broadband: A Call to Action on February 4 - 5 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The event is sponsored by the Blandin Foundation and a long list of organizations concerned with connectivity, economic development, and education ni Minnesota.
Sun Prairie Ponders Fiber Network Investment in Wisconsin
The Sun Prairie City Council met on January 14th to discuss a possible investment in a municipal fiber network. Thank you to local resident Jonathan Kleinow for alerting us to developments in the south central Wisconsin town.
Colbert Covers Network Neutrality
Enjoy...
Merit Collaborates With OARnet and Local Community in Hillsdale, Michigan
A recent press release from the Merit educational and research network in Michigan announces a new connection to its Ohio sister, OARnet. Member entities and local communities now enjoy better redundancy, expanded reach, and better services.
High Speed in the Blue Grass State: Russellville's Gig
The Logan Journal recently reported that the Russellville Electric Plant Board (EPB) now offers gigabit service to local businesses.
Burlington's Civic Cloud Collaborative Wins Knight Foundation Award
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has awarded a Knight Prototype Fund grant to the Civic Cloud Collaborative of Burlington, Vermont.
Defender of Big Telecom Admits Copper Can't Compete
The incomparable Diane Rehm show on WAMU recently tackled the network neutrality ruling [listen to it there]. Guests included Cecilia Kang, Susan Crawford, and Jeffrey Eisenach from the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank famous for promoting what is best for massive, politically influencial firms.
The Challenge of Open Access - Lessons Learned Part III
To finalize our series on reflections from Seattle and Gigabit Squared, I discuss open access networks and how the requirement that a network directly pay all its costs effectively dooms it in the U.S.
Over the Top Video: A Peak or a Path Forward?
About six months ago, I was quite bullish on advances in over-the-top (OTT) video making it easier for communities to build fiber networks because they would no longer have to deal with the challenges of securing and delivering traditional cable television channels.
Danger of "Sponsored Data" via AT&T, Others
AT&T has announced a program that has put many of us on edge - "Sponsored Data." As an example, I may have a 500 MB cap on my monthly AT&T plan, but Facebook could pay AT&T so that its content does not count against my cap.
ILSR Receives Community Broadband Advocacy Award
The Southeast Assocation of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors has announced Christopher Mitchell will receive its 2014 Community Broadband Advocacy Award at its upcoming conference on March 24 and 25 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
I am honored to receive this recognition alongside Jim Baller and the Georgia Municipal Association, with whom I
Potential Funding Availability via Race to the Top
Let me start by saying that I don't yet know anything in addition to what I write below. We are all waiting for more details. On January 30, the FCC will take action on the FTTH Council's Gigabit Race to the Top progam.
Cox Ditches Cable for Fiber in Upscale Housing Development
John St. Julien covered this story last month, but I couldn't resist amplifying it.
Circuit Court to FCC: You Can Restore Local Authority to Build Community Networks
As we noted yesterday, the DC Circuit of Appeals has decided that the FCC does not have authority to implement its Open Internet (network neutrality) rules as proposed several years ago.