Promoting locally rooted, democratically accountable broadband networks that provide fast, affordable, and reliable Internet access to all Americans.
ILSR’s new Unbuffered podcast launches a bold new chapter in community-centered technology conversation, building on the legacy of Community Broadband Bits podcast while expanding the focus to include how power, policy, monopoly dynamics, and digital ecosystems shape everyday life.
In the first official episode of Unbuffered, host Christopher Mitchell is joined by a powerhouse roundtable: Karl Bode, Gigi Sohn, Doug Dawson, and Sean Gonsalves. Together, they have a wide-ranging conversation on broadband policy, media consolidation, and the systems of power shaping both.
The group explores the erosion of local journalism, the growing influence of large corporations and billionaires, and how regulatory decisions continue to shape competition, affordability, and accountability.
The conversation also steps back to wrestle with a bigger question: is today’s Internet and technology ecosystem still serving the public good?
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Blair Levin returns to reflect on the decisions that built today’s Internet—and why we may not be ready for what comes next in an AI-driven...
Unbuffered launches with a powerhouse roundtable on broadband policy, the FCC, media consolidation, and whether today’s tech ecosystem is helping or hurting the public.
The webinar examined what it takes to connect communities floor by floor, building by building.
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.
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.
