“The electric co-ops represent possibly the greatest potential for expansion of really good infrastructure in rural America,” [Todd] Pealock said, explaining how it’s a natural fit for co-ops to be infrastructure providers. “It’s very synergistic for our linemen to hang cable, to lift the hardware up,” Pealock said. “The splicing is very natural for them.” Todd … Read More
In 2010, the Iowa Communications Network received a $16.2 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The project will connect all 99 counties in the state by upgrading an existing 3,000 mile network (PDF of the project summary). The state plans to bring 10 Gbps capacity points of presence to each county and to provide 1 Gbps … Read More
After six years in the making, the OpenCape network is soon to be delivering services. According to a Sandwich Wicked Local article, town selectmen were informed on December 6th that the Brockton-to-Plymouth stretch of the network will be activated before the end of 2012 for testing. We brought you detailed news of the $40 million project … Read More
Lake County, a rural area on the north side of Minnesota’s portion of Lake Superior, has long suffered with just dial up and satellite, with slow cable connections available in some of the towns. After receiving a stimulus project to build a county-owned FTTH project connecting everyone, many thought their broadband troubles were over. But Mediacom … Read More
Poulsbo, Washington, home to around 9,200 residents of Kitsap County, recently became the location of an “exercise in democracy” pilot project. Amy Phan of the Kitsap Sun, reports that the town is now home to a superfast wireless hotspot made possible by a new antenna installation courtesy of the the Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD). According … Read More
The nonprofit Merit Network, Inc., of Michigan, started in 1966 as a way to provide networking help to the state’s research and educational facilities across the state. Over the years, the organization has kept up with the times and is now spearheading the Rural, Education, Anchor, Community and Healthcare – Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative (REACH-3MC II) … Read More
A last mile broadband project in Taos, New Mexico, encountered a temporary snag and appears to be back on track. The situation highlights the potential conflict created between federal and state entities. State officials acted to show their support and now expect the project to continue. Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) was awarded a $45 million … Read More
Citywide Internet will soon be available as a monthly service in Port Angeles on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Mayor Cherie Kidd, Police Chief Terry Gallagher, and Councilwoman Brooke Nelson participated in a ceremonial “cable cutting” event last week. The event was to celebrate the new network, nicknamed “The Mesh.” Arwyn Rice, of the Olympic Peninsula Daily News … Read More
On September 19th, the Urbana Champaign Independent Media Center (UCIMC) hosted “Models for Building Local Broadband: Public, Private, Coop, Nonprofit.” Christopher Mitchell was one of several panelists who discussed local broadband options and challenges. The presentors live streamed to 138 attendees with 93 watching remotely various locations and 45 at the Media Center. If you were … Read More
