Promoting locally rooted, democratically accountable broadband networks that provide fast, affordable, and reliable Internet access to all Americans.
In the first live episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Heather Mills, Doug Dawson, and Drew Garner for a wide-ranging conversation about BEAD, permitting, mobile wireless, and the latest debates around broadband policy and infrastructure.
The group also talks about affordability, quality, and value in broadband infrastructure, including whether LEO satellite service is truly an acceptable alternative to fiber-based networks. Heather reflects on the risks of creating “a class system of who gets what,” while emphasizing that affordability programs and local capacity still matter for communities trying to get connected.
The episode closes with a conversation about mobile networks, fixed wireless capacity, and why networks may feel like they are “running hotter” than they used to.
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BEAD delays, LEO satellites, permitting, affordability, and why mobile networks may be getting worse
With tax day as a backdrop, the ILSR Community Broadband Networks Initiative and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance convened its quarterly Building for Digital Equity...
New Mexico becomes first state to step up in absence of federal action to support households that can’t afford to pay for monthly Internet service.
The webinar examined what it takes to connect communities floor by floor, building by building.
A community broadband network, we define, as a publicly-owned, locally-controlled broadband network, which can include public-private partnerships. The most common kinds of community networks are municipal networks and cooperatives.
There are more than 1000 localities across the nation served by a community broadband network with many more in the planning or construction phase.
Having tracked and documented broadband developments for nearly 20 years, we have amassed the nation’s largest storehouse of information on community-driven efforts to solve local connectivity challenges.
We invite you to explore our trove of information on the birth and development of community broadband and portal into CommunityNetworks.org where we offer free access to over 4,000 stories, nearly 600 podcasts, dozens of reports, policy briefs, case studies, instructional videos, and other resources.
CommunityNetworks.org
ILSR's Christopher Mitchell talks to State Scoop about the far reaching significance of a new affordable Internet law passed in New Mexico.
ILSR's Christopher Mitchell speaks to how community broadband fills a void where disinvestment and federal policy has failed Indigenous and Black farmers.
ILSR's Christopher Mitchell offers insights on Superior, Wisconsin's new city-owned network and how federal policy, municipal broadband barriers and Tribal networks fit into the picture.
ILSR's Sean Gonsalves has a new piece in ProMarket on the continuing consolidation of telecommunication markets and why municipal broadband is a better option.
