Section 702 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act requires the FCC to report annually on whether “advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion.” The FCC kicked off its tenth such report on Tuesday by releasing a “Notice of Inquiry,” (NOI) in effect asking individuals and groups around the … Read More
This week’s rumblings on municipal broadband held more reverberations from last week’s announcement that the FCC would take up formal proceedings regarding Chattanooga, TN and Wilson, NC petitions. The message for preempting state laws is being amplified, first Business Insider wrote this piece on How “Gig City” Chattanooga is putting Big Cable on the ropes: “Ultimately what it … Read More
The effort to restore local authority in deciding whether or not to build a municipal fiber network is full speed ahead. On Monday, the FCC responded to petitions from Chattanooga, TN and Wilson, NC by opening up formal proceedings on the matter, and requesting people weigh in on the issue. Reporters from the Washington Post to … Read More
While its network continues to offer last generation speeds at high prices and their customer service reps go viral harassing customers who try to leave their grasp, Comcast executives have decided it is time to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade… their theme parks. That’s right, as they shift call centers to the Philippines to save … Read More
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance praises Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken of Minnesota for leading the growing list of organizations committed to defending the authority of communities to make their own decisions when it comes to build the Internet networks of tomorrow.… Read More
Last week, the DC City Council unanimously passed two key pieces of legislation: a styrofoam ban by food service businesses and a waste modernization bill. ILSR helped win passage of both bills in collaboration with many environmental and civic groups. Neither bill is perfect but necessary for future development of zero waste programs in the District. … Read More
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance praises Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken of Minnesota for leading the growing list of organizations committed to defending the authority of communities to make their own decisions when it comes to build the Internet networks of tomorrow.… Read More
What You Can Do: Two new amendments will likely be added to an appropriations bill in Washington, that could have a devastating snowball effect in the drive for local authority. Right now, Rep. Blackburn from Tennessee is expected to offer the amendments on Tuesday or Wednesday. We anticipate the amendments to have wording that either restricts the FCC from … Read More
Two new reports on composting could help communities reduce waste and build healthy soil to support local food production and protect against the impacts of extreme weather from droughts to heavy rainfall. These are among the findings of Growing Local Fertility: A Guide to Community Composting and The State of Composting in the U.S.: What, Why, Where & How released by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR).… Read More
