Recently in Community Networks... Week of 4/3

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From: ILSR's Community Broadband Networks Initiative <broadband=muninetworks.org@mail52.atl231.mcsv.net> on behalf of ILSR's Community Broadband Networks Initiative <broadband@muninetworks.org>
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Subject: Recently in Community Networks... Week of 4/3

Recent Stories from MuniNetworks.org... -> Read More

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@CommunityNets

Community Broadband Networks

Muninetworks.org

Members of Cortez, Colorado are going to be enacting a new Fiber-to-the-Home pilot project after the city council unanimously approved the measure. Members of this rural community will now benefit from high-speed, high-quality Internet access.

We also shared stories of: how great electric cooperatives are connecting communities in far-flung, rural Virginia; the over-hype of 5G Wireless technology in a Broadband Bits podcast; and a new report from the American Civil Liberties Union that recommends locally-owned Internet access projects.

Cortez Community Network Pilot; Ready To Connect Residents

Cortez is ready to use its publicly owned infrastructure to begin a Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) pilot project. At the March 27th City Council meeting, members unanimously approved fees and rates for the Cortez Community Network Pilot, which marks a shift as the city moves to offer retail Internet access to residents and businesses.

...Read the article...

Electric Co-ops Finding Funding To Connect Folks In Rural Virginia

Electric cooperatives in Virginia are continuing to transform connectivity in the state’s rural communities. With funding assistance from state and local government, projects in Mecklenburg and Appomattox Counties will soon be moving forward.

...Read the article...

Straight Talk About 5G; Potential, Limitations, Hype - Community Broadband Bits Podcast 299

If we want to talk technical stuff on the Community Broadband Bits podcast, we know Eric Lampland is one of the best guys to call. Eric is Founder and Principal of Lookout Point Communications. Earlier this month, he and Christopher presented information about 5G at the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Telecommunications Conference. They took some time during the conference to sit down with the mics and have a conversation for episode 299 of the podcast.

There’s been scores of hype around the potential of 5G and, while the technology certainly opens up possibilities, Eric and Christopher explain why much of that hype is premature. 5G networks have been touted as an affordable answer to the pervasive problem of rural connectivity, but like other wireless technology, 5G has limitations. Eric breaks down the differences between evolutions of wireless technologies up to now and explains what needs they will fulfill and where we still have significant work to do.

...Listen to the podcast...

ACLU Report: Publicly Owned Networks Offer Better Connectivity And So Much More

A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ALU) examines municipal networks as a way to protect network neutrality and privacy, and to improve local access to broadband. The report, titled The Public Internet Option, offers information on publicly owned networks and some of the most common models. The authors also address how community networks are better positioned to preserve privacy, bring equitable Internet access across the community, and honor free speech. There are also suggestions on ways to begin a local community network initiative.

Read the full report.

...Read the article...

West Virginia Editor Urges Federal Elected Officials To Act On Sloppy FCC Data

The application window for the Connect America Fund (CAF) II Auction recently closed among debate about eligibility criteria. A recent editorial from the WVNews, where multiple counties were hit hard by flawed FCC data, urged their federal elected officials to act before rural residents lose more funding opportunities.

...Read the article...

Tacoma RFI/Q For Partnership: Responses Due April 27th

In recent years, leadership in Tacoma, Washington, has debated the future of the Click! Network. They recently released a Request for Information and Qualifications (RFI/Q) to gather ideas and proposals from potential partners. Responses to the RFI/Q are due by April 27.

...Read the article...

Community Broadband Media Roundup - April 2

California
LA Councilmember Proposes Municipal Broadband Feasibility Study by Zack Quaintance, GovTech
San Francisco Taps Citywide Internet in Bid to Close the Digital Divide by Mickey McCarter, StateTech Magazine

Colorado
Improving the next National Broadband Map by Rep. Jared Polis and Jessica Rosenworcel, Sky Hi News
Cortez City Council to vote on broadband pilot program by Stephanie Alderton, The Cortez County Journal
Colorado rural broadband gets help on two fronts: General Assembly and Congress by Marianne Goodland, Durango Herald
Colorado State University to host public forum on net neutrality by Kelly Ragan, Coloradoan

Maine
Isolated Maine islands get $1.3M grant for broadband project by Associated Press
...Read the article...

@CommunityNets

Community Broadband Networks

Muninetworks.org

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