Promoting locally rooted, democratically accountable broadband networks that provide fast, affordable, and reliable Internet access to all Americans.
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
When California announced in 2021 that it would open a last-mile broadband grant program seeded with $2 billion, it was something of a watershed moment.
The Last-Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA) broadband program instantly became one of the largest state-administered broadband grant programs ever. As grant announcements began rolling out in June of 2024, we began tracking where that money was going. What emerged was indisputable: California’s FFA program was an unprecedented success for community networks.
Today we are releasing a new two-part dashboard based on the CPUC’s data that helps visualize the success of community-based projects in this transformative state program.
Go to the Interactive Dashboard to fully explore the data.
FFA Dashboard
Digital inclusion advocates are reeling after the Trump administration announced the Digital Equity Act was being cancelled months after federal grants had already been awarded.
Former BEAD Director Evan Feinman joins Christopher Mitchell & Sean Gonsalves on the Community Broadband Bits podcast to discuss the turmoil around the BEAD program.
At the 17th Tribal Broadband Bootcamp, Pueblo of Jemez Tribe members immersed themselves in network technology as the Tribe embarks on a fiber project.
The municipal broadband provider celebrates rapid growth while ongoing community support means the city can repay its construction bond by the 2029 due date.
ILSR's Christopher Mitchell speaks to StateScoop on why fiber matters in debate over Internet access technologies
Fierce Network spotlights new webinar series launched by ILSR's Community Broadband Networks team and the American Association of Public Broadband (AAPB).
ILSR's Chris Mitchell shares insights on the mission and vision of the Tribal Broadband Bootcamps he partnered in forming with Matthew Rantanen.
A federal affordable Internet program is ending. But muni-owned broadband networks have figured out how to deliver affordable high-speed Internet access themselves.
