Christopher Mitchell on Madison’s WORT Talking Community Networks
Christopher Mitchell joins Dave Deveraux-Weber on the "A Public Affair"
show on WORT in Madison.
… Read More
Breaking the Broadband Monopoly
ILSR has released the most comprehensive and up-to-date report about publicly owned broadband networks: Breaking the Broadband Monopoly: How Communities Are Building the Networks They Need.
Across the country, hundreds of local governments, public power utilities, non-profits, and cooperatives have built successful and sometimes pioneering telecommunication networks that put community needs first. This report details their successes, lessons learned, and barriers to copying the model.… Read More
Publicly Owned Networks Spur Competition And Offer Fastest Speeds at Lowest Prices, Says New Report
"Publicly owned fiber networks have proven globally competitive – they offer the single best hope for communities that need to stay competitive in the digital age," says Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) Telecommunications as Commons Initiative and author of a newly released ILSR report Breaking the Broadband Monopoly.… Read More
ILSR Submits Comments to FCC on Publicly Owned Broadband
As the Federal Communications Commission continues to formulate a National Broadband Plan, ILSR has responded to a recent request for comments about the relationship between broadband and government.
We highlight the importance of publicly owned broadband networks by noting success stories and offering details on networks from Chattanooga, Burlington, Monticello, and Powell, Wyoming. We also discuss lessons from publicly owned middle-mile networks and networks that connect core anchor institutions, like libraries and schools.… Read More
Maine Needs Publicly Owned Broadband
Current providers won’t encourage the competition necessary to improve service and cut costs.
Last January, as the economy spiraled downward, Time Warner did what no other company could have gotten away with under the circumstances: It imposed a price increase of as much as 5.5 percent on its Maine customers.
Meanwhile, the state’s other major broadband Internet provider, FairPoint, has amassed a stunning track record of mismanagement and abysmal customer service.
Argentina Passes Law, Looks Inward for Media Ownership
Democracy Now! was one of several outlets to cover a new law in Argentina to promote local media and networks.
The bill allocates two-thirds of the broadcast spectrum to non-commercial stations, limits the number of licenses any one company can hold, and promotes Argentine-made content.
Low Power Radio Continues to Move Through the U.S. House
The Local Community Radio Act (HR 1147)has passed the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet with a strong 15-1 vote. It is now moving back to the parent committee – the Commerce Committee.
This bill has strong grassroots support – with many diverse groups in support. … Read More
Citizens Rally Behind Publicly Owned Wireless Network in Florida
As we reported on MuniNetworks.org, the city of St. Cloud, Florida, has operated a free wireless network covering the entire city since 2006. They treat it as a public service and "CyberSpot" has been viewed as a premier success story, garnering awards for its performance.… Read More
Chattanooga Launches Nation’s Largest Muni Fiber Network
ILSR is pleased to congratulate Chattanooga, Tennessee, for building the largest publicly owned, full fiber network in the United States. Chattanooga’s public power utility, EPB, began offering telephone, broadband, and television services on its network on September 15.
This broadband network will allow smart-grid applications for the electrical utility as well as offer local support, faster speeds for both uploading and downloading.