Bandwidth Caps are Unnecessary and Counterproductive
The Open Technology Institute at the New America Foundation has released a report on data caps in the U.S.
Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
News
Amherst, MA, Upgrades Its Free WiFi
In 2007, the City of Amherst, Massachusetts received a $150,000 grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to build a wireless mesh network. DARPA and NSF have long been interested in developing mesh networks that are more resilient than traditional hub and spoke type networks.
County and State Partner For Local Connectivity in Iowa
In 2010, the Iowa Communications Network received a $16.2 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The project will connect all 99 counties in the state by upgrading an existing 3,000 mile network (PDF of the project summary).
Broadband Communities Magazine Spotlights ILSR's Chanute Report
We are pleased to announce that an excerpt of our report, Chanute's Gig: One Rural Kansas Community's Tradition of Innovation Led to A Gigabit and Ubiquitous Wireless Coverage, is now highlighted in the newest Broadband Communities Magazine. The November/December 2012 issue focuses on economic development.
Susan Crawford's Captive Audience Book Reviewed
I quickly read the just-released Captive Audience: The Telecom Industry and Monopoly Power in the New Gilded Age, and came away quite excited by Susan Crawford's new book.
Susan Crawford has been supportive of community owned networks and a loud voice against the poor policies that have allowed a few massive cable and telephone c
Cottage Grove, Oregon, Looks to Bring Jobs to Town With Fiber Expansion
Cottage Grove, Oregon, is on the cusp of adding up to 250 new jobs with the aid of its fiber optic network. A recent Register-Guard.com article by Serena Markstrom details the potential project between the City and First Call Resolution.
Verizon Begs Regulators for Protection While Demanding Deregulation
From the "A Pox on Both Your Houses" files, Verizon is squaring off against greedy landlords in New York City as it tries to fix lines damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
In short, Verizon needs access to the common areas of the multi-dwelling units (MDU or industry-speak for a
Exciting Upcoming Events!
If we want to protect the open Internet and expand access to fast, affordable, and reliable connections, we need to organize. There are few better ways to organize or get inspired than in-person events with great speakers and time to chat with others.
After Buying NC Legislation, AT&T Kills NC Jobs
When the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill written by the cable and telephone industry (with help from ALEC), they probably didn't expect AT&T to turn around and slash its local workforce.
And yet, that is what
Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Building Fiber Network to Connect Public Facilities
Fiber optic connectivity is coming soon for public facilities in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The city has its own electric, natural gas, and water utilities and is home to a little over 10,000 people. Located along the southern edge of the state, the town is considered a suburb of Charlotte.
UTOPIA, For Better And Worse, Profiled
Since 2008, we have followed and reported on the peaks and valleys that is UTOPIA. Recently, the Salt Lake Tribune ran a series on the regional network.
Boise Leases Dark Fiber to Consolidate Data Centers
Idaho's capital has begun leasing dark fiber from Zayo Group that will allow it to consolidate a number of data centers it has located in municipal facilities across the city.
Community Built Network Saves Local Jobs in Princeton, Illinois
Kudos to Richard Downey, Village Administrator for the Village of Kronenwetter in Wisconsin. Mr. Downey reminded us that we have yet to write about the fiber network in Princeton, Illinois.
How a Muni Network in The Dalles Led to a $600 million Data Center
As I recently mentioned in my endorsement of Tubes by Andrew Blum, the book explains how a municipal fiber network helped to attract Google to town.
Tubes Offers an Internet Tour
If you have been trying to find a book that offers an engaging explanation of how the Internet physically works and the various networks interconnect, search no more.
Making Markets Work - Information Asymmetry
An article about health care in the 2012 November Wired offers a strong reminder of how important smart government policy plays in making markets function well.
In the early 1950s, it was nearly impossible to know the value of an automobile.
OpenCape Update - First Stretch Scheduled for Testing By the End of the Month
After six years in the making, the OpenCape network is soon to be delivering services.
Susan Crawford Discusses Captive Audience at Berkman Center
Susan Crawford's new book, Captive Audience: The Telecom Industry & Monopoly Power in the New Gilded Age, looks to be an excellent read for anyone regularly perusing this site. It is becoming available at bookstores near you.
Network Moves Forward in Leverett, Western Massachusetts
This past spring, we introduced you to the small town of Leverett, in rural western Massachusetts.