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responding-to-crazy-talk-community-broadband-bits-episode-50
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Jun 11, 2013

Responding to “Crazy Talk” – Community Broadband Bits Episode #50

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/responding-crazy-talk-community-broadband-bits-episode-50

For our 50th episode, we’re trying something new: Lisa and I respond to three common claims made by opponents of community owned networks. We owe these three particular arguments to the Executive Director of the trade association of Wisconsin telephone companies. Each of the clips we respond to come from claims he made at a… Continue reading

leadership-panel-set-for-november-broadband-communities-conference
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 10, 2013

Leadership Panel Set For November Broadband Communities Conference

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/leadership-panel-set-november-broadband-communities-conference

In November 2012, Broadband Communities Magazine hosted the first of its Economic Development Conference Series in Danville, Virginia. The second conference, scheduled for November 5-7, 2013, will bring another group of leaders together in Tinley Park, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. This year, the conference will focus on the Midwest with discussions about Illinois, Indiana,… Continue reading

Target Store Carts
Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 7, 2013

New Data Show How Big Chains Free Ride on Taxpayers at the Expense of Responsible Small Businesses

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/chains-walmart-foods-free-ride-taxpayers-expense-responsible-small-businesses/

State data reveal that Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and others offer such low pay and benefits that many of their employees rely on public assistance, at a cost of billions of dollars a year. Continue reading

in-idaho-ketchum-sharing-strategic-plan-seeking-survey-input
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 7, 2013

In Idaho, Ketchum Sharing Strategic Plan, Seeking Survey Input

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/idaho-ketchum-sharing-strategic-plan-seeking-survey-input

In March, Ketchum leaders hired Magellan Advisors to work with the city Broadband Strategic Planning Committee to create a plan to address the lack of high-speed Internet, especially in the downtown area. Brennan Rego’s Idaho Mountain Express article reports the firm and the committee are now presenting their findings to the community in a series of… Continue reading

Photo: Caleb Kenna.
Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | No Comments | Updated on Jun 6, 2013

Vermont’s Standard Offer Renewable Energy Program: Episode 10 of Local Energy Rules Podcast

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/vermonts-standard-offer-renewable-energy-program-episode-10-local-energy-rules-podcast/

“A lot of the utilities don’t totally understand this new paradigm that’s coming.” David Blittersdorf of AllEarth Renewables has been working to advance renewable energy in Vermont for years, and was instrumental in getting the state’s standard offer program (a feed-in tariff) passed in 2009.  He’s adamant that the state should accelerate its standard offer… Continue reading

medina-county-offices-will-connect-with-community-network
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 6, 2013

Medina County Offices Will Connect With Community Network

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/medina-county-offices-will-connect-community-network

The newly completed Medina County Fiber Network (MCFN) in Ohio will soon add Medina County government as the next customer. The Medina-Gazette reports the County Commission recently voted unanimously to enter into a five-year agreement with MCFN and drop Armstrong Cable. County Administrator Chris Jakab says the county will save $600 per month. Currently Medina County… Continue reading

vermonts-ecfiber-to-expand-this-summer
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 5, 2013

Vermont’s ECFiber to Expand This Summer

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/vermonts-ecfiber-expand-summer

Good news for Vermonters who want connectivity from the East Central Vermont Fiber Optic Network (ECFiber). The community owned network recently raised another $430,000 from local investors who purchased tax-exempt promissory notes. As a result, the nonprofit can now expand another 20 miles. Approximately 100 more households and businesses will soon have access. Twenty-three towns belong… Continue reading

small-michigan-town-issues-rfp-for-ftth-network
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 4, 2013

Small Michigan Town Issues RFP for FTTH Network

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/small-michigan-town-issues-rfp-ftth-network

The community of Sebewaing, located in the “thumb” of Michigan is moving closer to its own FTTH network, which will be the first new municipal FTTH project in the state. Because of a state law impinging on local authority in Michigan, local governments must first issue an RFP and can build a telecommunications network themselves if… Continue reading

understanding-the-lifeline-program-community-broadband-bits-episode-49
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Jun 4, 2013

Understanding the Lifeline Program – Community Broadband Bits Episode #49

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/understanding-lifeline-program-community-broadband-bits-episode-49

The United States has long recognized that everyone should have access to a telephone and has established a variety of government programs to achieve that end. In recent months, the Lifeline program has come under attack and some have labeled it the “Obamaphone” program. In this week’s Community Broadband Bits podcast, Sarah Morris joins us… Continue reading

rest-in-peace-senator-frank-lautenberg
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Jun 3, 2013

Rest in Peace, Senator Frank Lautenberg

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/rest-peace-senator-frank-lautenberg

Today, we are deeply saddened at the news that Senator Frank Lautenberg has just passed away. Senator Lautenberg’s death is a loss for the nation as well as for our efforts to ensure communities have the authority to build Internet networks if they believe it a wise investment. The Senator and his staff have long… Continue reading