Promoting locally rooted, democratically accountable broadband networks that provide fast, affordable, and reliable Internet access to all Americans.
In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Sean Gonsalves, Doug Dawson, and Bill Callahan for a conversation about digital discrimination, digital equity, and the growing challenges around Internet access in the United States.
They begin by discussing the “regressive moment” surrounding digital equity, including the cancellation of the Digital Equity Act, the Eighth Circuit ruling, and broader questions about what digital discrimination actually means in practice. The group reflects on how many people still do not have access to “a normal Internet connection,” as well as the barriers created by affordability, devices, skills, and reliability.
Chris, Sean, Doug, and Bill then discuss monopoly power, local organizing, municipal networks, and the role of money in politics. They reflect on local fights over broadband projects, efforts to undermine public options, and why communities often face organized opposition when trying to build their own infrastructure.
The episode also explores BEAD, NTIA guidance, low-income broadband requirements, and the tension between federal policy and state decision making. Along the way, the group discusses New York, Pennsylvania, co-ops, affordability programs, and the limits of relying on large monopoly providers to solve access problems.
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A conversation about digital equity, dark money, and the fight over Internet access
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
Three ILSR staffers talked to Liberation in a Generation and The Forge about the many dimensions of fighting corporate power — and building local power.
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 Sean Gonsalves has a new piece in ProMarket on the continuing consolidation of telecommunication markets and why municipal broadband is a better option.
