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Chelan Will Keep Its Network As Is
As we reported in March, the Chelan County, Washington PUD was seeking input from the customer-owners of their open access fiber optic network to decide what the future would hold. The PUD had considered three options and presented them to the public:
Newton, North Carolina Is One Big Hotspot
North Carolina infamously became the 19th state to enact barriers to community broadband, but we wrote about a loophole to it last year - communities can provide services for free without int
Recent Articles show ALEC and South Carolina Pushing to Limit Community Broadband
Community Broadband networks are increasingly getting the attention they deserve as an option for communities that want better, more accountable connections to the Internet.
We have long been warning about an AT&T-pushed bill in South Carolina to make it even harder for communities in that state
CNS In Southern Georgia Brings Communities Together
Step across the county line in Thomas County, Georgia and you will be in Florida. Its county seat, Thomasville, has been chosen as a one of the best places to retire.
State by State Campaign to Gut Consumer Telecom Protections
In most states, telephone companies are required to serve everyone and when there are problems with the service, the state can mandate that the company fix them.
Let The FCC Know That You Support Expanding Community Radio
As we recently reported, the FCC has made changes to clear the airwaves for more low power radio stations.
New Community Broadband Map
We have re-launched the interactive community broadband map!
Radio Interview about Rural Broadband in Washington
Christopher Mitchell spoke with Gavin Dahl about community broadband on KYRS, a community radio station in Spokane, Washington, on April 11.
Mendocino County Local Leaders Want to Leave the Slow Lane Behind
VisitMendocino.com sums up this northern California community as a peaceful and serene:
"Mendocino County, where rugged coastline, breathtaking beaches, picturesque villages, majestic redwood forests and America's Greenest Wine Region beckon you to escape to a slower pace."
Collaboration Alive and Well In Wisconsin Broadband Expansion
Wise people say that collaboration often leads to a better result than individual efforts. Recently, I was reminded of the benefits of different levels of collaboration, as they relate to community networks, in two separate articles about fiber-optic expansion in Wisconsin.
New Funny LUS Fiber HDTV Commercial
LUS Fiber has released a new ad promoting its HDTV services - probably the best ad I have seen from a community broadband network promoting its services.
Clallam County, Washington, Connects Anchor Institutions
Washington's Olympic Peninsula is one step closer to being laced in a new fiber-optic network.
Leverett, Massachusetts, Ponders Community-Owned Network
Leverett, Massachusetts, is one step closer to a community owned FTTH network. The town of 2,000 will have weekly public information meetings until the Annual Town Meeting scheduled for April 28, 2012.
Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services' Construction Moves Forward
Good news for folks in Jackson, Wilder, and Bingham Lake in Southwest Minnesota! Your local broadband options are about to get much better. Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services (SMBS) just announced that construction is advancing on the new network. The 125-mile fiber ring is expected to be completed by September, 2012.
Digital Divide Event in St Paul on April 18
For people in St Paul and the surrounding communities, I will be presenting at an event about the digital divide sponsored by the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability.
Lafayette Says "Hi" to 1 Gig
LUS Fiber now offers its business subscribers the current ultimate in broadband speeds. An April 5th press release from LUS Fiber reports that business customers of the state's only community-owned ftth network now have access to 1 gig symmetrical internet connections.
Arkansas Town Targeted by Cox Prior to Community Broadband Referendum
Siloam Springs, sporting 15,000 people in the northwestern corner of Arkansas, could be the next community to build its own community fiber network. But first they have to pass a referendum in May in the face of stiff opposition from Cox Cable, which would prefer not to face real competition.
For over 100 years, the city has provided its own electricity via its electrical department.
Prometheus Radio Project Offering Webinar April 9th
Here at MuniNetworks.org, we encourage the idea of local communication, via broadband or any other medium. Naturally, we are fans of low power radio, owned and operated by independent groups, rather than more stations owned by a few communications giants, seemingly located all over the radio dial.
Tornado Destroys Homes, Cable Companies Charge Homeowners
When a tornado rips your town apart and destroys your home, should you have to pay extra fees to your cable provider? Of course not.