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same-sex-marriage-cover
Featured Article, Resource filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | 1 Comment | Updated on Aug 31, 2012

The Thoughtful Voter’s Guide to Same-Sex Marriage

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/thoughtful-voters-guide-same-sex-marriage/

This November voters in four states–Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington–will be voting on whether to legalize or ban same-sex marriage. After 20 years of debate one might reasonably ask why another report on same-sex marriage would be necessary. Our reply is that although the debate has been long it has often generated more heat than light. We learn best… Continue reading

longmont-fiber-considers-streaming-instead-of-cable
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Aug 31, 2012

Longmont Fiber Considers Streaming Instead of Cable

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/longmont-fiber-considers-streaming-instead-cable

In our recent podcast interview with Vince Jordan of Longmont Power and Communications (LPC), we shared the story of Colorado’s newest community network. Vince told the story of the community’s struggle to overcome a massive misinformation campaign by Comcast and progress since. LPC is proving itself to be innovative, creative, and centered on community -… Continue reading

verizon-and-big-cable-win-competition-loses
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Aug 30, 2012

Verizon and Big Cable Win – Competition Loses

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/verizon-and-big-cable-win-competition-loses

Once again, we are witnessing the federal government allowing a few massive telecommunications companies to collude rather than compete. Verizon is about to ally itself with major cable companies, to the detriment of smaller competitors in both wireless and wireline. One of the reasons we so strongly support the right of communities to decide locally… Continue reading

humboldt-county-requests-veto-of-california-alec-bill
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Aug 30, 2012

Humboldt County Requests Veto of California ALEC Bill

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/humboldt-county-requests-veto-california-alec-bill

The California Legislature recently passed SB 1161 (dubbed “California’s Worst Telecom Bill Ever”) and the bill is on the Governor’s desk. Utility reform group, TURN, and the New America Foundation are two groups that have opposed this ALEC supported bill from the start. We reported on it in June and shared with you how it… Continue reading

San Francisco's Cole Valley Neighborhood
Featured Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 7 Comments | Updated on Aug 30, 2012

How San Francisco is Dealing With Chains

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/san-francisco-dealing-chains/

San Francisco is home to more independent businesses than other big cities, thanks in part to a 2006 law than gives neighborhoods the power to reject “formula” retail stores and restaurants. But the policy has major gaps, which have opened the way for chains to slip into the city. City leaders are now looking to beef up the law. Continue reading

ramsey-county-and-saint-paul-under-fire-for-network-plan
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Aug 28, 2012

Ramsey County and Saint Paul Under Fire for Network Plan

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/ramsey-county-and-saint-paul-under-fire-network-plan

If you were judging solely from the reaction of Comcast, you could be faulted for thinking Ramsey County and the city of Saint Paul were making a bold, if risky, investment to bring real broadband to local businesses and citizens in Minnesota’s capital. But you would be wrong. Very wrong. The City and the County… Continue reading

community-broadband-bits-10-vince-jordan-from-longmont-colorado
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Aug 28, 2012

Community Broadband Bits 10 – Vince Jordan from Longmont, Colorado

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/community-broadband-bits-10-vince-jordan-longmont-colorado

The tenth episode of the Community Broadband Bits podcast features Vince Jordan, Telecom Manager for Longmont Power and Communication in Colorado. We have long followed the trials and tribulations of this community as they fought through two referenda against Comcast’s deep pockets. Now they are expanding their network to connect businesses and residents. You can… Continue reading

new-mexico-media-groups-and-residents-lobby-senator-on-value-of-munis
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Aug 27, 2012

New Mexico Media Groups and Residents Lobby Senator on Value of Munis

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/new-mexico-media-groups-and-residents-lobby-senator-value-munis

Not long ago, we told you about Farmington, New Mexico, a community of 32,000 residents who want to capitalize on its current fiber network. Residents are tired of waiting for private investment in their community and want to take matters into their own hands. The city’s electric utility uses the existing fiber network and the… Continue reading

Complicated rubber band ball
Article filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 2 Comments | Updated on Aug 27, 2012

Forthcoming Project in Washington State Illustrates Complexity of Community Solar

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/forthcoming-project-washington-state-illustrates-complexity-community-solar/

Colorado just launched their long-awaited community solar gardens law (program subscribed in 30 minutes) and California is progressing on a virtual net metering law that could remove one of many roadblocks to community solar.  But the Vashon Community Solar Project in Washington State shows that doing solar community-style hasn’t become easy. The Vashon project will… Continue reading

verizon-wireless-busted-for-violating-network-neutrality
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Aug 26, 2012

Verizon Wireless Busted for Violating Network Neutrality

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/verizon-wireless-busted-violating-network-neutrality

In December, 2010, Verizon Wireless began operating its network via C-Block spectrum with licenses it acquired in the 2008 auction. In keeping with net neutrality rules unique to C-Block usage, Verizon agreed long ago that it would not block or limit consumers’ ability to tether on their 4G LTE network. Tethering allows a consumer to… Continue reading