All Things Information

In Minnesota, a de facto limit on broadband

christopher — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:47:51 -0500

The vast majority of Minnesotans, like the rest of the country, are served by only two broadband suppliers: the cable or telephone company. These companies generally want to maintain their monopolies because they can postpone upgrades while keeping prices and profits high. Just about everyone else just wants a better choice among providers.

Here in Minnesota, Monticello has broken the mold with a smart investment in a publicly owned network.

Op-Ed: Municipal fiber needs more FDR localism, fewer state bans

christopher — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:02:27 -0600

Community-owned broadband is one way to bring fiber to smaller markets, but many states restrict the practice. Researcher Christopher Mitchell argues that it's time for a bit more Roosevelt-style localism in US broadband.

Following ILSR's map showing states that preempt local authority to build Community Broadband Networks we published the following op-ed on the leading tech site Ars Technica.

ILSR Submits Comments to FCC on Publicly Owned Broadband

christopher — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:01:03 -0600

As the Federal Communications Commission continues to formulate a National Broadband Plan, ILSR has responded to a recent request for comments about the relationship between broadband and government.

We highlight the importance of publicly owned broadband networks by noting success stories and offering details on networks from Chattanooga, Burlington, Monticello, and Powell, Wyoming. We also discuss lessons from publicly owned middle-mile networks and networks that connect core anchor institutions, like libraries and schools.

Maine Needs Publicly Owned Broadband

christopher — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:39:33 -0500

Current providers won't encourage the competition necessary to improve service and cut costs.

Last January, as the economy spiraled downward, Time Warner did what no other company could have gotten away with under the circumstances: It imposed a price increase of as much as 5.5 percent on its Maine customers.

Meanwhile, the state's other major broadband Internet provider, FairPoint, has amassed a stunning track record of mismanagement and abysmal customer service.

Argentina Passes Law, Looks Inward for Media Ownership

christopher — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:01 -0500

Democracy Now! was one of several outlets to cover a new law in Argentina to promote local media and networks.

The bill allocates two-thirds of the broadcast spectrum to non-commercial stations, limits the number of licenses any one company can hold, and promotes Argentine-made content.

Low Power Radio Continues to Move Through the U.S. House

christopher — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:17:53 -0500

The Local Community Radio Act (HR 1147) has passed the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet with a strong 15-1 vote. It is now moving back to the parent committee - the Commerce Committee.

This bill has strong grassroots support - with many diverse groups in support.

Citizens Rally Behind Publicly Owned Wireless Network in Florida

christopher — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:03:51 -0500

As we reported on MuniNetworks.org, the city of St. Cloud, Florida, has operated a free wireless network covering the entire city since 2006. They treat it as a public service and "CyberSpot" has been viewed as a premier success story, garnering awards for its performance.

Chattanooga Launches Nation's Largest Muni Fiber Network

christopher — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:17:58 -0500

ILSR is pleased to congratulate Chattanooga, Tennessee, for building the largest publicly owned, full fiber network in the United States. Chattanooga’s public power utility, EPB, began offering telephone, broadband, and television services on its network on September 15.

This broadband network will allow smart-grid applications for the electrical utility as well as offer local support, faster speeds for both uploading and downloading.

FCC Turns Attention to Network Neutrality, Ensuring an Open Internet

christopher — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:37:04 -0500

The Chair of the Federal Communications Commission has taken a stand for network neutrality - the founding principle of openness of the Internet. In short, network neutrality means the entity providing you access to the Internet cannot interfere with the sites you choose to visit - it cannot speed them up or slow them down in order to increase their profits.

Because most Americans get access to the Internet from large, absentee-owned profit-maximizing companies who are often de facto monopolies, we have to beware the gulf between community interests and the narrow interests of these companies.

The Definition of Broadband Matters Greatly

christopher — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:29:42 -0500

As the Federal Communications Commission creates a National Broadband Plan for the United States, it will have to decide whether to revise its definition of broadband. On one side, ILSR and others demand a robust definition to encourage greater network infrastructure investment. On the other, telecommunications companies want to keep the existing definition so they can claim they serve nearly everyone.

In all the wrangling over how we should define broadband, I wanted to step back and remember why the definition itself is so important.