MassBroadband 123 Lights Up in Rural Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Broadband Initiative's (MBI) MassBroadband 123 network is becoming a reality.
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
News
In Florida, Bartow Looks to Build Community Owned Fiber Network
Bartow, Florida, located in Polk County near the center of the state, is considering a FTTH network for the community's 17,000 residents. At a recent City Commission meeting, members decided to put city administrators on task and develop a plan to eventually offer triple play services to residents.
Emmetsburg, Iowa, on its Way to Community Owned Fiber Network
Flash back to May 5, 1998 and the community of Emmetsburg, Iowa. This town of just under 4,000 people voted to establish a municipal cable communications or television system.
CDE Lightband The Latest 1 Gig Network
What can you do with a gig? There is a residential customer in Clarksville, Tennessee, that knows. CDE Lightband, Clarksville's municipal provider, recently began offering 1 gig service for $349.95 per month.
Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Gather in DC May 1-3
DC is the place to be May 1 - 3 to see how broadband and telecommunications policy will affect education, research, and healthcare. The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) annual conference will be at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
Jefferson County, Washington, Set to Build New Fiber Network
Another county in Washington will soon be connected via a community owned fiber network. Peter Quinn, of the Economic Development Committee Team Jefferson, tells us that the Public Utility District of Jefferson County will be investing in the new infrastructure.
War for the Web Documentary Halfway Through Production
War for the Web is halfway through production and just launched a new trailer featuring some of the interviews they have already captured:
They have launched an indiegogo campai
Santa Clara Uses Smart Meters to Expand the Reach of Free Wi-fi
Smart meters aren't just for electricity anymore. In Santa Clara, the city is now using the technology to bring free citywide outdoor Wi-Fi to the entire community.
Community Anchor Institutions in Rural Washington Connected by NoaNet
Adams County, situated in eastern Washington, is now connected to the regional Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) infrastructure.
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.