
Willmar, Minnesota Moves Forward With Open Access Fiber Network
The city promises options ranging from symmetrical 300 megabits per second to symmetrical 1 gigabit per second.

Iowa Urged to Prioritize Fiber Ahead of Arrival of $415 Million in BEAD Money
Wulfsen argued that fiber is a better long-term investment than satellite.

Global Leaders Share Insights on Broadband Success, Open Access
Fiber deployment emerges as a common thread despite vastly different market conditions.

Data Center Summit
The 'Data Centers, Nuclear Power and Broadband Summit' took place on March 27, 2025.

Phoenix Center Challenges Brattle Group’s Fiber Value Impact
Ford said that fiber is too expensive in many rural areas to be a practical solution.

Broadband Breakfast on April 9, 2025 - Precision Agriculture and Connectivity
Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges at the intersection of broadband and agriculture.

UK on Track to Reach 96% Fiber Coverage by 2027
Regulator Ofcom unveils new rules to sustain rural broadband buildout.

Sebastian Sassi: 3 Rules Broadband Disruptors Follow to Win the Bandwidth Battleground
Supply chains for fiber optics infrastructure are strained by global disruptions.
The Silent Crisis in Telecom: Billions Invested, But Visibility Remains a Blind Spot
Policymakers and regulators now have an opportunity to modernize telecom frameworks.

CWA Member Criticizes Potential Changes to Broadband Fund Allocations
'With fiber, you don’t have to worry about any of that.'

Vermont Looks To Bring Oasis of Fiber-Connected Telehealth Hubs to ‘Healthcare Deserts’
None of this would be possible without the only telecommunication infrastructure capable of delivering telehealth at scale: Fiber networks.

2030 Wireless vs. 2030 Fiber: The Future in Broadband Speed and Throughput
There is a new investment trend aimed at the never-ending desire to make broadband wireless and satellite delivery faster.

Rep. Matsui ‘Suspicious’ About BEAD Policy Shift
Lawmaker accuses GOP of reallocating money to ‘predetermined winners.’

Broadband Industry Coalesces in Support of ‘SPEED for BEAD’
Fiber-focused organization isn’t discouraged by Rep. Richard Hudson measure that touts ‘technology neutrality’

Visionary Broadband Expands Service 10,000 Rural Homes
Delivered high-speed broadband to Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana

Ziply Fiber Pushes Back Against NorthWestern Energy Complaints
NorthWestern filed a public comment about what it alleged were Ziply’s unsafe conditions

Commerce Secretary Says Americans Need 'the Benefit of the Bargain' from BEAD
'We want the lowest cost broadband access to Americans,' Howard Lutnick said, repeating, 'the lowest cost.'

Lumos to Build 5,000 Miles of Fiber in Georgia
Project anticipates reaching more than 320,000 homes and businesses

Energy Company Complains About Ziply Fiber Deployment
NorthWestern Energy filed a complaint about the provider with the FCC

AT&T Defends Copper Network Retirement Plan Amid Union Opposition
AT&T is transitioning to newer fiber optic technology and plans to retire its copper infrastructure.

Copper Theft and Vandalism Threatening Critical Infrastructure, Say Industry Leaders
Copper theft has evolved beyond petty crime into organized operations.

Navigating the Highways of Connectivity: Understanding 'Any Mile' of Network Infrastructure
It is crucial to adopt advanced test and measurement solutions to ensure network performance is compliant to the standards for speed, reliability, latency, and security.

AT&T Copper Retirement Plan Would Undercut Universal Service, CWA Warns
The telecom giant will not offer fiber to many copper customers, potentially jeopardizing broadband access.

Mobile Carriers Push Fiber Investments Amid Growing Demand for Convergence
All three national wireless carriers - AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile - are expanding their fiber investments in various ways.

AI Boom Drives Demand for Fiber Data Center Infrastructure
Shortages in power and semiconductors render fiber the only solution to sustain AI growth, panelists said.

FCC Seeking Comment on Canadian Bell Purchase of Ziply
BCE, Canada's largest telecom provider, is looking to enter the American market.

AT&T Names CEO John Stankey as Board Chair, Succeeding William Kennard
Stankey, CEO since 2020, will remain CEO even as he also assumes chairmanship of the telecom giant.
Why SOC 2 Certification Matters for Your OSS/BSS
High profile data breaches damage company reputations, erode customer trust, and can lead to serious legal consequences.

Minnesota County Closes in on 100% Gigabit Fiber Coverage
Since 2013 CarverLink has used a combination of public and private collaborations, along with county, federal and partner funding.

Fiber Is a Good Long-Term Bet, Says Former FCC Chairman Pai
Some Republican lawmakers have said they're concerned about high per-location costs.

Report: Fiber Fuels 35% Job Growth in Charlottesville, Va.
Created $4 million annual increase in housing value from 2015-2019

Fiber Deployment Costs May See Slight Slowdown
Industry experts predict price stabilization with federal broadband funding scheduled to begin.

Rep. Louis Riggs: BEAD's Groundhog Day Moment
No reputable provider is going to propose serving areas that do not make sense with fiber.

Fiber Broadband Association Voices Confidence About Fiber's Role in BEAD
GOP lawmakers have signaled a desire to increase participation from fixed wireless and satellite.

Broadband Breakfast on February 19, 2025 - The New Convergence: Fiber and Wireless
As data demands soar, operators are racing to integrate fiber backhaul with wireless infrastructure.

Charter Asks Court to Block Former Exec from Metronet Job
The cable giant said T-Mobile and Metronet would have access to its convergence trade secrets.

Protecting The Nation's Critical Communications Infrastructure From Theft and Vandalism
To protect economic and public safety interests, regulators, legislators, law enforcement, municipalities, and communications providers must work together.

Quintillion Provides Subsea Fiber Cut Updates
Company hopes to have new fiber route completed by this spring.

Ting Halts Work in City Filled with D.C. Powerful
Ziply Fiber also saw operations suspended in Sammamish, Wash.

At Least 11 Baltic Cables Have Been Damaged in 15 Months
The NATO alliance is ratcheting up its guard against suspected attempts to sabotage underwater data and energy cables.

Texas Awards $424.6 million in Broadband Deployment Grants
Most of the grants will fund fiber projects.

ITIF Plan Would Cap BEAD Grants at $1,200 Per Location
Savings would go to fund Internet affordability programs

Fiber Break in Alaska Causes Widespread Network Outages
Subsea fiber cables can't be repaired until late summer.

Hawaii Announces Plan to Become First Fully Fiber State
Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026

Eight Hundred Words to the Nattering Nabobs Of Negativism
I continue to hear the whining about fiber being too expensive and deployment too rural and remote, and just not practical.

Fiber, Fixed Wireless Connections Rose in 2023: FCC Marketplace Report
The biannual report detailed the agency's latest national subscriber figures.

Fiber Broadband Association Rings in New Year Touting 100 Gbps Service
'The only thing that is certain in 2025 is uncertainty,' said GFiber's Ariane Schaffer.

The Broadband Industry Shift: What BSPs Will Need to Compete and Win in 2025
2025 will be an interesting year for Broadband Service Providers.

Ziply Fiber, BCE Holding Seek FCC Merger Approval
The acquisition marks Bell Canada’s first major expansion into the U.S. market.

AT&T: Carr FCC Will be Good for Copper Decommissioning
The company is planning to retire most of its legacy networks by the end of 2029.

Open Access ErieNet Fiber Network Gets Underway In Western New York
'Construction has already begun for ErieNet with underground conduit installations, and utility work necessary' for pole attachments.

AT&T CEO: Fiber Can't Be Beat
Leader John Stankey targets 50 million fiber passing by the end of 2029.
T-Mobile: 1 Million Sitting on Fixed Wireless Waiting List
T-Mobile is the leading fixed wireless provider, ending the third quarter with 6 million subscribers.
Ziply: Fiber Best Internet for Cloud Gaming
Fiber’s speed and stability offer the most benefit to gamers.

ALLO Fiber Agrees to Net Neutrality in Network Lease Deal with Boulder, Colo
City Council secures expanded fiber capacity, affordability measures, and robust privacy protections in 20-year deal.

CEOs Call for Regulatory Reform to Retire Copper Networks
Decades-old regulations are stifling broadband innovation and slowing the transition to fiber, they said.

Northampton, Mass., Hasn’t Ruled Out Municipal Network
Multi-gigabit speeds coming to large swaths of the city through the arrival of Gateway Fiber.

FCC Unanimously Moves to Update Subsea Cable Rules
The agency is responsible for licensing underwater cable facilities connecting to the U.S.

California Announces Another $207 Million In Last Mile Broadband Grants
Included is $25 million to help the City Of Huntington Park provide free Wi-Fi for all city residents.

Ziply to Acquire Fiber Assets of UPN
Company will add more than 7,000 miles of fiber in the Pacific Northwest

Frontier Adds 108,000 Fiber Subs in Q3
Frontier shareholders are set to vote on Verizon's bid to buy the company next week.

Ziply Fiber Selling to Bell Canada Parent in $5 Billion Deal
Ziply and Bell plan to accelerate fiber growth across both sides of the border.

Ting Internet Makes Deep Staff Cuts
Firm trying to generate net income, positive EBITDA.

Placerville, California, to Build City-Owned Open Access Fiber Network
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Placerville 'strikes gold' with $20 million broadband project.

USTelecom Defends 2020 Dark Fiber Order
Association said ISPs are not being cut out of competition.

AT&T Enters $1 Billion Agreement With Corning
Company aims to expand its fiber network

Broadband Industry Sees 7.5% Drop in Capex in 2023
The $94.7 billion investment reported in 2023 came from leading wireline, wireless, and cable providers.

Verizon Submits $20 Billion Frontier Merger for FCC Approval
Verizon argues minimal competitive overlap, but regulators will examine the impact.

AT&T to Add Reversible Fees to Its Internet Plans
Customers can receive a $10 monthly discount by enrolling in autopay and paperless billing.

'Cyber Incident' Forces Arkansas Fiber ISP to Shut Down Linear Video Service
Affected customers to receive free Internet, streaming service for a month
FCC Urged to Restore CLEC Access to Dark Fiber
Critics say a 2020 FCC decision has led to competitive issues in the broadband market.

USDA’s Andy Berke Champions Fiber as Key to Rural Broadband Success
Broadband experts cautioned against alternative technologies under BEAD.

Trade Group: Fiber Growth Fastest In U.S. History
FBA encouraged further development of fiber network speeds

Alabama Statewide Middle Mile Network Reaches Major Milestone
Network is 67% toward completion, bringing resilient infrastructure to 38 counties.

LSC Breaks Ground on Dark Fiber Expansion
Construction is expected to conclude by the end of 2025

Improving Network Resiliency in the Face of Extreme Weather
The threats of wind, fire and ice storms are downing poles and cutting off service to communities.

Crisis Over: Alaska City's Internet Returns
Subsea tear to GCI's fiber network occurred on Aug. 29.
AT&T CEO Eyes Lead Spot in U.S. Fiber Expansion
Stankey aims to position AT&T as the nation's top fiber provider.

AT&T Announces Wholesale Agreements with 4 Open Access Fiber Providers
Big telecom carriers are racing to expand their fiber footprints.

Verizon-Frontier Deal Unlikely to Hit D.C. Regulatory Wall: New Street
The carrier will absorb Frontier's 2.2 million fiber subscribers and 7.2 million passings in a $20 billion deal.

Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.

T-Mobile, Metronet Seeks FCC Merger Approval
'The deal will not cause any diminution in competition.'
Fiber Versus Wireless Debate is Back at Mountain Connect
Do consumers need fiber to their door? Or would wireless or satellite service suffice?

SiFi Announces T-Mobile Fiber Partnership
The partnership will expand fiber networks across five cities in four states.

TDS Telecom’s Fiber Strategy Yields 2,100 New Broadband Subs in Q2
Fiber additions were offset by the loss of customers served by cable and copper Internet technologies.
Google, Nokia Successfully Test 50G PON
The test is the first live network demonstration of 50G PON technology in the U.S.
Fidium Fiber Expands Maine Network
The network will connect over 260,00 addresses in the state.

Appalachian Regional Commission Connects 68 Communities
ARC aims to serve the 206,000-square-mile Appalachian region, encompassing 26 million people across 13 states.

FCC Opens Comment Window on T-Mobile Purchase of Lumos
T-Mobile and EQT are planning to run the network on an open access basis, with T-Mobile an early tenant.

World Broadband Association Recommends Energy Efficient Fiber
“The migration to full fiber is essential, but further network innovation is also required.”

Dark Fiber Market Expects Significant Growth, Reports Verified Market Research
Growth is spurred by industry desire to stay ahead of future fiber demand.

Centranet Aims to Expand Rural Network With Help from Electric Cooperatives
Centranet has deployed approximately 3,000 miles of fiber in rural Oklahoma, connecting up to 15,000 residents.

Connected Complexity: The Journey to Modern Fiber Networks in Chicago
Many areas of Chicago rely on outdated and privately-owned telecommunication networks.

Ziply Launches New Montana Fiber Network
The ISP is offering speeds from 100 Mbps to 50 Gbps to 29,000 addresses in Montana.

AT&T Releases Documentary Depicting Digital Divide
The documentary highlights AT&T's fiber investments in Texas.

How to Successfully Invest in FTTH Infrastructure
To succeed with your investment, you need to understand market dynamics, control costs, and adopt advanced software solutions

Largest Trans Atlantic Cable Adopts Ciena's GeoMesh Extreme
The architecture is expected to increase the fiber optic cable's capacity.

Fiber is Sweeping the Market, Says FBA
Fiber providers declare victory: 'The market has spoken.'

INCOMPAS: Deployment Barriers Hurting Effort to Close the Digital Divide
Telecommunications companies describe barriers preventing faster deployment of broadband networks

AccessPlus, Hong Kong Broadband Adopt Nokia Next Generation PON
The companies claim the new technology will increase fiber optic capability of their networks.

Alabama Grants $2.39 Million to WOW! for Fiber Expansion
The combined $3.41 million will target underserved areas of the state.

Gateway Fiber Receives Capital for New Markets
Gateway's debt financing is expected to enable the company to pursue expansion in three states.

Wilbraham, Massachusetts Takes First Step Toward City-Owned Fiber Build
The city hopes to fund the network through an enterprise fund.

New Project to Deploy Fiber to Military Bases Across U.S.
The company plans to deploy high-capacity dedicated networks for military installations.
Ripple Fiber Expands High-Speed Internet in North Carolina
The company will expand access to eight new municipalities.

Value of Optical Fiber Market To Jump, Report Says
The market is set to grow by $4.5 billion over the next 8 years

Frontier Not Worried About Fixed Wireless
The company said it is still leaning into expanding its fiber footprint.

Middle Mile Advocate Says Rural Areas Need Fiber Connectivity
Fiber connectivity – particularly middle mile connectivity – is the future of rural communications.

FiberLight Announces New Fiber Expansion In Virginia
The company also plans on expanding through a route between Dallas and Central Mexico.

Joe Pellegrini: Should You Build or Buy Middle Mile Infrastructure?
Providers should carefully weigh and evaluate whether it is better to build out the middle mile infrastructure or purchase it from another carrier.

AT&T Announces $3 Billion Investment to Closing Digital Divide
The company said it will continue to offer an affordable internet service as the Affordable Connectivity Program ends.

Greenlight Networks Announces 8-Gig Fiber, New Nutrition Label
A FTTH company announces a new service and their broadband 'nutrition' label.

Wolfgang Briglauer: For the FCC, a Cautionary Tale of EU 'Open Internet' Rules
Strong empirical evidence emerges that open internet regulations exert a significant, strong negative impact on fiber investments.

Verizon, Google Fiber Unveil Broadband Nutrition Labels Ahead of Deadline
Major ISPs must begin deploying labels by April 10, 2024.

Fixed Wireless CEO Says His Technology Has a Bright Future
Matt Larsen gave an impassioned defense of fixed wireless during the WISPAMERICA 2024 conference in Oklahoma City.

RVA Predicts $150 Billion Invested in U.S. Residential Fiber in Next Five Years
RVA market report suggests a future increase of fiber investment in the United States

Make Sure that BEAD Funding Builds Deep Fiber: Metro Connect
Windstream CEO analogized a fiber network to arteries and capillaries in the human body.

Advocates for Rural Broadband Wants Pro-Fiber Stance
Rural broadband advocacy organization requests FCC rethink 'technological neutrality' requirements.

Clark County Approves Google Fiber Expansion in Las Vegas Metro
The entry-level service package provides speeds of 1 Gigabit per second at a cost of $70 per month.

BITAG Wants States to Consider Non-Fiber for BEAD
The nonprofit said broadband offices should consider cost and deployment time as well.

Carl Guardino: The Time is Now for 100% Broadband Access in the U.S.
The average cost to connect fiber in a given state hovers in the neighborhood of $7,000 per home.

April 2, 2024: Public-Private Broadband Partnerships
The digital infrastructure is evolving at exponential rates and the demand for smarter systems and a more connected world is imperative to the progression of our communities.

March 26, 2024: Fiber and Wireless Solutions for 'Always On' Deployment Strategies
The digital infrastructure is evolving at exponential rates and the demand for smarter systems and a more connected world is imperative to the progression of our communities.

Brant Carter: For Faster Fiber Buildout, Combine GIS, Deployment and Operations
Tightening connections between network operators, asset owners, and contractors catches surprises earlier.

The High Cost of Fiber is Leading States to Explore Other Technologies
If the state chose to solely install fiber, underserved communities would be left out, said state broadband leaders.

In New York City, Sharing Broadband Infrastructure Takes on a New Dimension
Panelists from Stealth Communications and Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners addressed operational and financial broadband

Bill Long: How Middle Mile Investments Close the Digital Divide
Internet for all: Zayo’s mission to connect what’s next.

Helder Pereira: Success or Failure of Biden’s Broadband Push Hinges on Fiber Installers
Access to affordable and accessible high-speed internet is no longer a matter of convenience.

STL Opens South Carolina Fiber Cable Plant
The $100 million plant was announced in June 2023 as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America.

Electric Co-Ops Uniquely Positioned to Attract Employees, said Experts
Co-ops can provide stability and a meaningful career while capitalizing on local capital.

Artificial Intelligence-Enhancing Quantum Computing Coming in Near Future, Expert Says
Networks need to be more resilient, reliable and flexible for ‘unimaginable’ applications.

Fiber Helps Co-ops to Save on Electric Grid Usage, Saving Money
Fiber can connect city systems to make them more efficient.

Latency is the New Network Measurement, Say Telecom Vendors
Latency is essential for future applications, which are on the rise, said experts.

Automation Exchange Announces New Managed Services for Fiber Operators
The service provides a centralized communication hub and technical support for open access networks.

Scott Sampson: How Fiber Can Build a Work Culture in a Remote World
Greater reliable and secure broadband bandwidth is necessary to support a quality remote culture and work environment.

Nokia Fiber Electronics Facility Likely to Alleviate ‘Buy America’ Concerns, Industry Says
Nokia will continue to invest in American manufacturing in the coming years, said CEO.

Nokia Announced Domestic Manufacturing of Electronics Equipment for Fiber
The manufacturing of the company’s fiber-optic broadband electronics products will start in 2024.

Carl Guardino: 100% Broadband Access in the U.S. — The Time is Now
A strong fiber bias in broadband funding means that underserved communities remain at risk of being left behind.

Verizon Second-Quarter Reflects Continued Fixed Wireless and Fiber Growth
Verizon executives said the company is continuing to look into lead-clad cable concerns.

Speed Not Only Attribute Consumers Looking for in Future Broadband Services, Experts Say
’The industry needs to get off its speed fixation.’

NTIA Awards Middle Mile to 35 Projects in 350 Counties with 12,000 Miles of Fiber
$930 million in federal funding will leverage a total of nearly $1.8 billion in middle mile broadband infrastructure.

Utah Releases Its State Broadband Plan for BEAD Funds, With Middle Mile Prioritization
The state’s unique fiber sharing model makes all the difference for middle mile builds, say Utahns.

Next Generation PONs Important for Future Capacity Needs on Fiber Networks: Nokia Official
25G PONs are ideal to connect customers to 10G or higher speeds, a Nokia rep said.

FCC Commissioner Carr Criticizes BEAD Fiber Priority Ahead of Funding Allocation
The NTIA has acknowledged a clear preference for fiber in its bipartisan infrastructure deployment effort.

Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 – The Future of Ultra High-Speed Connectivity
How are fiber technologies evolving to adapt to ever-higher capacity, and how do alternative technologies compare?

Utah City Approves UTOPIA Fiber Build
UTOPIA continues to expand open access model builds.

FCC Blocks One Eye, Tribal Ready Wants 12 GHz Set Aside, Universal Service Fund Recommendations
One Eye was given ‘ample opportunity’ to address robocall traffic, FCC said.

Counties Can Help Providers Enter Markets, Say County Leaders
County governments can coordinate with ISPs to connect their communities, panel hears.

NTIA Axes Fiber Cables, Keeps Transport Equipment in Buy America Waiver for Middle Mile
The middle mile waiver comes ahead of the awarding of grants from the $1B program.

Rosenworcel in Boston, Viasat’s New President, Omni Fiber’s Ohio Investment
The FCC continues its push to get more Americans on the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Final ACP Outreach Partners, Pennsylvania’s Broadband Program,10 Gigabit Internet In Northwest
The FCC has been trying to get as many eligible Americans on the ACP as possible through outreach.

Growing Investment in Digital Infrastructure, Especially Fiber: Connected America Conference
As providers attempt to expand their fiber footprints, some are turning to open access networks.

Fiber Deployment Should Consider Equity and Sustainability: Connected America Conference
Industry leaders agreed that fiber deployment should be prioritized, with other technologies supplementing as needed.

‘The Sound of Made in America’: Fiber Makers Increase Production Ahead of Delivery of Billions in Federal Funds
Commerce Secretary Raimondo made stops at fiber manufacturing facilities in North Carolina.

Barriers to Last-Mile Fiber Include Affordability: Connected America Conference
Industry experts agreed that reaching each individual consumer is the key to a full-fiber future.

David Strauss: How Will State Broadband Offices Score BEAD Applications?
Fiber, coax and fixed wireless network plans dependent on BEAD funding demand scrutiny.

‘Not a Great Product’: AT&T Not Looking to Invest Heavily in Fixed Wireless
The company’s CFO compared fixed wireless to ‘empty calories.’

Rosenworcel Robotext Proposal, Technology Strike Force, Sugar Land’s Fiber Deal
The commission will vote on the robotext proposal in March.

New Congress Faces Key Decisions About Broadband Funding, Infrastructure Priorities and Privacy Law
Broadband access and privacy policies present opportunities for bipartisan collaboration, Broadband Breakfast panelists agreed.

CCA Wants Rip and Replace Funding, Executive Movements at Lumen, Rise Closes Buy of GI Partners
Industry associations have agreed that the FCC’s rip and replace program needs more funding.

Helge Tiainen: Fiber Access Extension Eases Connectivity Worries for Operators, Landlords and Tenants
A new law presents an opportunity to reuse existing infrastructure for fiber broadband deployment.

Verizon, Optical Communications Group Wrangle Over Unpaid Bills for Shared Conduit
The Verizon rival is claiming that the telco unfairly charged it for more space than it occupies on its infrastructure.

As States Struggle to Challenge FCC Map, Local Communities Can Help Maximize BEAD Funding
Panelists compared the FCC’s process to flying a plane while it’s being built.

Municipal Networks and Incumbent Providers Will Compete for Grant Funding in 2023
The cost of remote fiber deployment can be a deterrent, necessitating creative community solutions.

Report Finds Fiber Expansion Driving Gigabit Access to Nearly 98% of Fiber Consumers
The FBA report shows an unprecedented rate of new fiber deployments in 2022.

Quantum Technologies on Fiber Will Advance AI, Other Applications: Company Exec
Quantum technology is not merely a stepwise improvement on current technologies, but a seismic leap, said Qubitekk’s Duncan Earl.

Lack of ‘Rip and Replace’ Money, NCTA Rejects Speed Tests for Mapping, FBA Reports Lots of Fiber in 2022
The FCC and industry have said there is a shortfall in rip and replace funding.

MDU Broadband Deployment Can be Expedited Through Existing Infrastructure
G.hn technology can utilize existing telephone wiring and coaxial cabling to deliver fiber-like speeds.

Fiber Finds Its Footing, Offering Future-Proof High Speeds
The COVID-19 pandemic provided the foundation case for why fiber’s symmetrical capabilities have became so central.

FCC Commissioners Tout 5G, Spectrum and Permitting Reform
Commissioner Geoffrey Starks argued that expanding connectivity would enable sustainable, environmentally-friendly technologies.

Patrick Halley: States Must Be Smart When Defining ‘Extremely High-Cost Locations’
Sleeper issue could derail a state’s ability to spend its broadband infrastructure allocation effectively

Pierre Trudeau: Life in the Trenches, or Lessons Learned Deploying Broadband in MDUs
Behind every great wireless network, is an even greater wired network.

Cable Providers Back Hybrid Fiber-Coax Networks in Face of Pure Fiber
Cox’s Brian Rose said he welcomes market challenges from pure fiber players.

Broadband Breakfast on December 14, 2022 – In the Trenches: Better Broadband for Multi-Dwelling Units
Multi-dwelling units often pose challenges for expedited broadband deployment, calling for innovative solutions.

Fiber Providers Need to Go Beyond Speed for Differentiation, Consultant Says
40 percent are unsure of their home internet speeds, said Jonathan Chaplin of New Street Research.

Chart of States Accepting BEAD Grant Applications
Braodband Breakfast is tracking each state's BEAD grant application window.

Chart of Fixed Wireless Access Subscribers
Braodband Breakfast is tracking fixed wireless access subscriptions.

Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers
Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscriptions.

Chart of Wireline Broadband Subscribers By Technology
Braodband Breakfast is tracking wireline broadband subscribers by technology.

5G Demand Needs More Fiber Infrastructure, Conference Hears
‘We’re in the early innings now of this 5G evolution and really the fourth industrial revolution,’ said a Verizon partner.

AT&T Seeks Fiber Expansion, States Still Have Muni Network Barriers, Ziply Buy Comments
AT&T is seeking a joint venture partner to plow billions into a fiber expansion project.

Broadband Breakfast on November 16, 2022 – How to Value Your Fiber Company
In the midst of what can only be described as a fiber boom, how should you value your fiber business?

COVID Funds Ensuring NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Funding Adequate: Conexon Executive
‘The way you close the digital divide is you build fiber to every single rural home,’ Jonathan Chambers said.

New ‘Dig Once’ Policy from White House, Texas Social Media Law Stayed, Starry Defaults on RDOF
Biden-Harris administration implements new action plan to expedite infrastructure projects, including a new “dig once” policy.

Wireless Internet Service Providers to Connect More Fiber Points as Bandwidth Consumption Increases
‘The only way to get that density is to get fiber out there. That allows you to get more subs with your wireless.’

Paul Atkinson: Why Fiber Trumps Satellite When Bridging the Digital Divide
On the surface, satellite seems like the ideal way to close the rural-urban digital divide.

Public–Private Partnership Model ‘Most Effective Way’ to Address Digital Divide: AT&T Rep
The company’s president of broadband access and adoption initiatives lauded AT&T’s public-private partnerships.

Kenosha Gets Fiber, Judiciary Committee Advances Journalism Bill, Rosenworcel Touts Women in Tech
SiFi Networks will construct an all-fiber network for 40,000 households in the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

New Whitepaper Shows Long Wait Times for Fiber Construction Materials
The Fiber Broadband Association has said there is up-to 60 weeks of wait for materials necessary for fiber deployment.

North Carolina Officials Tout Recent Investments in Rural Fiber
North Carolina hopes to achieve 80 percent subscription to broadband services among its citizens.

Fiber Providers Feeling the Heat of Inflation as Cost of Materials, Labor Rise
One fiber tools company says inflation is hitting broadband developers hard.

Jay Anderson: Is Texas the New Home for Robust Internet Access?
Cost of doing business is driving companies into markets with favorable tax rates and fewer regulations. Here’s how they’re prioritizing.

In ‘Office Hours’ Sessions, NTIA Addresses Questions of Middle Mile Grant Applicants
Sarah Bleau, Middle Mile Program Director at NTIA, reminded attendees that the Middle Mile program is not for last-mile grants.

Missouri City Utility to Complete Fiber Build Using Utility Lease Model
Pioneered with city-owned Huntsville Utilities in Alabama and Google Fiber, the utility lease model makes unlit fibers available to others.

Report: Fiber Better for Low-Income Workers and Cheaper Per Megabit, Too
Fiber to the home costs $0.52 per Megabit per second, on average.

New Diamond State Networks Touts Cooperative Model as Coverage Expands in Arkansas
The cooperative’s executive director said it has at least 70% of Arkansas covered by its network.

Fiber Broadband Association Brings Regional Fiber Connect Shows on Road
Regional Fiber Connect conferences are bringing the industry’s technology and community leadership together.

GOP Senators Criticize NTIA For Favoring Fiber and Bureaucratic Minutiae
Issues in contention include choice of technology for broadband deployment, labor rules, and interconnection agreements.

Utility Companies Vital to Expanding Fiber Broadband Infrastructure, Company Executive Says
The length of time and expense of building out infrastructure make electric utilities uniquely suited to the task.

Panelists Take Issue with Government Preference for Fiber
‘Advertising around gig speeds is doing tremendous damage to our public policy.’

Bryan Darr: An Order of Fiber, Please, with Wireless on the Side
Wireless is essential because for truly remote properties, a physical connection may never be practical.

LS Networks Gets CEO from Meta, Verizon Upgrading Capacity, Consolidated Boasts More Customers
Randy Brogle was previously working on fiber investments for Facebook parent Meta.

Morgan City Fiber Swap Model Catching On
A small city in Utah has some of the country’s highest speeds using a unique model of fiber sharing.

$10M Broadband for Minority Colleges, FCC Proposes RDOF Penalties, Midwest Gets a Fiber Investor
The money will go toward internet access, equipment, and to hire and train information technology personnel.

Facebook Leads Use in U.S., AT&T Bringing More Fiber to Indiana Cities, USDLA Holds Conference
78% of the US population still uses Facebook regularly

Proposed New Broadband Speed Standard, 988 Mental Health Hotline, Michigan Fiber Partnership
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel proposed a new broadband speed standard of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

Broadcast Transparency Decision, AT&T McDonald’s Expansion, Brightspeed in Missouri
A D.C. appeals court vacated the FCC’s authority to require broadcasters disclose if foreign governments lease airtime.

Arizona City Council Approves Fiber Licensing Agreements
The city aims to connect all homes and businesses to fiber.

Broadband Prices Decline, AT&T’s Fiber Build in Texas, Conexon Partners for Build in Georgia
A USTelecom report finds that despite high inflation, broadband prices have been declining.

Google Fiber Says it Welcomes Overbuilding, Competition for Lower Prices and Better Services
Comments were made at the Fiber Connect conference last week.

Leaders of Broadband Industry Trade Groups Are Bullish on Fiber, With Some Caveats
Fiber networks have a unique capacity to keep broadband prices low for low-income communities, proponents say.

AT&T Says Gigabit Download Speed Demand Continues to Grow
‘We’re projecting a 5x increase in data consumption from 2021 to 2025.’

Global Tech Competition Bill, AT&T Hits 20 Gbps Symmetrical, Hargray Fiber in Georgia
The American Technology Leadership Act would establish a federal office to monitor U.S. tech competitiveness versus global players.

NTIA Official Acknowledges Clear Preference for Fiber in Infrastructure Deployment Program
Attendance at the fiber show jumped from 2,041 attendees last June to 2,854 registrants as of Friday.

Broadband Breakfast Interview With Pinpoint Capital Advisors’ Andrew Semenak
Real convergence has taken hold in the fiber, wireless infrastructure and data center asset class categories.

Partnership Pitfalls and Best Practices That Municipalities Should Know
Industry experts detailed best practices for approaching public-private partnerships at Mountain Connect 2022.

Utilities, Broadband Providers Split on Pole Attachment Rate Policy
Utilities Technology Council CEO Sheryl Riggs questioned whether broadband access is expanded if costs just float to ratepayers.

Cox Investment in Symmetrical, Petabit Speeds, CityFibre Fully Funds Fiber Buildout
Cox said it will invest $400 million to bring symmetrical gigabit broadband across country over the next three years.

It Will Take Multiple Strategies to Provide Enough Spectrum for Nascent Technologies, Expert Says
Rysavy argued that it would take an “all of the above” approach to meet the coming need for spectrum.

New Public Broadband Association Criticizes NTIA Rules, Boasts Strong Start for New Group
While praising some aspects of NTIA rules, the group said that “we can’t take a victory lap quite yet.”

D.C. Attorney General Sues Zuckerberg, Carr Criticizes Infrastructure Bill Details, Vermont to Expand Fiber Builds
The lawsuit comes years after Facebook was found to have been used to harvest personal data for political purposes.

Judge Opinion on Crypto Transfer, Internet Society Joins Partner2Connect, Cable One Invests $950 Million for 10G
The opinion stated that the Department of Justice can prosecute someone who sent millions in crypto to a sanctioned state.

Starry Hosts First Earnings Call, Says its Model Positions it to Compete Against Larger Players
Starry CEO assured investors that Starry’s technology model allows them to compete with other more established providers.

UTOPIA’s Projects Proceeding in California and Montana, CEO Says
Both the GSCA and Yellowstone Fiber are using UTOPIA’s techniques to provide open access broadband over fiber.

Municipalities Generally Prefer Not to Own Broadband Builds, Conference Hears
Broadband leaders note cities prefer to partner than to own networks.

Twitter Reportedly Considering Musk Offer, Verizon on 5G Transition, FTC Investigating Broadcom
Twitter’s board is reportedly re-considering Musk’s $43 billion cash offer.

Treasury Department Expects Majority of Capital Projects Funds Will Be Spent on Fiber
“We have put our thumb on the scale for fiber,” said Joseph Wender, director the Treasury Department’s broadband fund.

AT&T Q1 Reflects Fiber Growth, Fixed-Wireless Still Plays Crucial Role for Rural Americans
AT&T executives emphasized role of fixed-wireless as crucial to serving rural Americans.

FCC Mapping Data Open, Google-Waze Challenged in Court, Florida Co-op and Conexon Connect Team Up
Fixed wireless providers will be given an opportunity to view data about their served regions ahead of fabric roll-out.

Apple CEO Against App Legislation, Russian Cyberattack Thwarted, European Telecoms Exit Russia
Apple CEO is not a fan of the legislation that would allow third-parties to bypass Apple store payments.

Comedian Blackmails Legislators, Musk Snubs Twitter, Render Networks Connects 1 million Premises
Comedian John Oliver wants the federal government to work on federal privacy legislation.

Fiber Broadband and Rural Broadband Associations Call on NTIA to Prioritize Fiber in Funding Grants
Gary Bolton and Shirley Bloomfield called on NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson to prioritize applicant investing in “future-proof” fiber.

‘Worst Broadband City’ Brownsville Approves Open Access Fiber Project with Lit Communities
Lit Communities will operate the network, with subsidiary BTX Fiber as the last-mile provider. HMI Utilities is prime contractor.

WISPA Head Pushes Various Broadband Technologies to Close Digital Divide
Wireless and wireline technologies play their own roles in helping connect the country, the head of WISPA said.

Amazon Lawsuit Dismissed, Private 5G Network for DoD, $232M in Ohio Broadband Grants
The suit accused Amazon of violating laws by using third-party sellers’ data to help sell its own products.

FCC Seeks Comment on Pole Replacement Rules
Revising its pole replacement rules may give providers quicker access to poles in communities for deploying high-speed broadband.

Public Knowledge Says Comprehensive Multi-Tenant Exclusivity Bans Needed for Competition
Public Knowledge spokesperson warns about FCC’s new multi-tenant housing rules.

Economic Opportunity for Broadband with Rural Electric Co-ops
Co-ops have the chance to support education, healthcare and work-from-home coming out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jessica Rosenworcel Tackles Multiple Dwelling Broadband at INCOMPAS Summit
Observers from the event say the chairwoman’s remarks were her most substantive yet on the matter.

NTIA Pressed on Existing Middle Mile Connections at Infrastructure Listening Session
Commentators concerned existing middle-mile infrastructure not used to drive last-mile home.

‘Buy American’ Waiver Request, AT&T Cuts Dividend for Builds, Jamestown Municipal Broadband Program
Telecom industry associations are asking for an exemption from ‘Buy American’ provisions in the infrastructure bill.

Rural Utilities Service Administrator: More Miles of Fiber Than Power Lines Funded Over Past Two Years
The agency’s results over these years indicate the versatility of fiber in critical infrastructure projects.

Yellowstone Fiber Launches $65M Fiber Project with UTOPIA in Gallatin County, Montana
This will be the “first true gigabit city in the state of Montana,” said Bozeman’s director of economic development.

AT&T Speeds Tiers, Wisconsin Governor on Broadband Assistance, Broadband as Public Utility
AT&T now has a 5 gigabit speeds for residential and business customers in 70 additional markets.

NTIA Official Says Rural Broadband Funds Do Not Disqualify Area from New Broadband Monies
While NTIA will interpret grant funding under the law, it’s up to states to determine where to allocate money.

Christopher Mitchell: Treasury Department Rescue Plan Act Rules Improve Broadband Funding
The Treasury Department has resolved all of the concerns that the Institute for Local Self Reliance identified in May.

Facebook Objection Dismissed, Glo Fiber Expanding, Utopia’s Timmerman Advocates Gigi Sohn
A judge dismissed Facebook’s objection to the FTC’s investigation into the company’s alleged anticompetitive practices.

Tony Thakur: Bandwidth Consumption, 5G and Rural Coverage Will Drive Fiber in 2022
In the coming year, fiber-optic infrastructure will needed to manage and offer increases in bandwidth capacity.

Leading Telecom Media Heads Expect More Fiber and Public-Private Partnerships in 2022
Leading figures in telecom media share thoughts on what the next year will hold for the industry.

Experts Debate Merits of Open Access Models on Broadband Breakfast Live Event
Keller and Heckman Partner Jim Baller says model could lead to a race to the bottom, but UTOPIA CEO disagrees.

USDA Announces $120 Million in Broadband Infrastructure Loans and Grants
Money comes from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Community Connect programs.

Experts Disagree Over How Broadband Rollout Should be Handled with New Federal Dollars
Gary Bolton and Nicol Turner Lee debated technology use to tackle the digital divide.

Supply Chain Issues Delaying Fiber Builds and Concerning Industry Before Influx of New Federal Money
Industry also debated merits of fiber versus other technologies, and speeds.

Rosenworcel Confirmed, Rohingya Meta Class Action, FTTH Builds Increase, WOW! Offers 1 Gig
FCC chairwoman cleared, refocusing attention on party tie-breaking nominee Gigi Sohn.

Federal Court Blocks Social Media Law, Illinois Broadband Initiative, Fiber Leads for Telecom Giants
A Texas court blocked enforcement of a social media that would prevent companies from removing extreme speech.

Ting Continues Fiber Expansion, A North Carolina Broadband Story, Broadband’s Impact in Alaska
Ting Internet said it will continue expanding its fiber infrastructure throughout the rest of the year.

Panelists Clash Over Need to Eliminate Broadband Exclusivity Deals in Multitenant Properties
Industry officials disagree over how effective mandates are in creating internet provider choice within multitenant residential buildings.

AT&T Hurricane Survey, FCC Announces $1.1B from Emergency Connectivity Fund, Comcast’s Utah Plans
AT&T copper facilities suffered significant damage after Ida, FCC’s second round of ECF, and Comcast’s expanded plans for low-income Utahns.

WISPAPALOOZA Show Reopens in Las Vegas With Celebrations of Can-Do Broadband Connectivity
Many WISPs are no longer merely “wireless” internet service providers, but offer fiber-optics in a hybrid solution.

Comcast Business Says It’s Expanding Into Fiber Builds in Greater Washington Area
The company is putting millions more into fiber infrastructure in the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia areas.

Broadband Panelists Say Public-Private Partnerships Provide Unique Solutions for Regional Needs
Some experts believe that public-private models may provide answers for municipalities struggling to narrow the digital divide.

Open Access Model Can Leverage Historic Funding to Drive Broadband Expansion
Even though the models are not yet mainstream, some experts praise them for their unique advantages.

Broadband Communities Summit 2021 Talks Future of Connectivity, Broadband Speeds
Conference, which hosted the Digital Infrastructure Investment show, digs into pressing connectivity issues.

Christopher Ali: Is Broadband Like Getting Bran Flakes to the Home?
Christopher Ali discusses his solutions to bridge the rural-urban digital divide in his most recent book, “Farm Fresh Broadband.”

More RDOF Money Approved, Blue Ridge Replacing Coax with Fiber, YouTube Premium Growing Slowly
Thirteen additional bidders approved for RDOF, Blue Ridge going full fiber, YouTube Premium growing but trails other streaming apps.

LightBox’s Broadband Map, Epic Suffers Setback in Apple Case, 2021 Community Broadband Winners
Lightbox publishing new broadband map, Epic Games suffers loss in Apple antitrust case, 2021 Community Broadband Awards announced.

Dutch Pension Fund Manager Buys 16.7% Stake in SiFi, Invests $500M in Open-Access Fiber Networks
SiFi is getting an injection of funds to deliver open fiber to cities.

Springfield Considers First Municipal Fiber Network Among New England’s Big Cities
City is yet another in a growing field of municipalities aiming for a municipal fiber network.

Building Fiber Infrastructure Back Better: The Journey Taken by Tuttle, Oklahoma
When their connection to the World Wide Web was cut, Tuttle’s local leaders got to work.

Ben Bawtree-Jobson: Internet Service Providers Benefit From a Shared Fiber Network Infrastructure
Both emerging and established internet service providers will stand to gain from SiFi Networks’ shared broadband model.

TPI President Wallsten Defends Reverse Auction, Points to Mapping Flaws in Light of RDOF Defaults
In an interview with Broadband Breakfast, Technology Policy Institute President Scott Wallsten blamed bad mapping for RDOF mess.

Population Center in Chautauqua County May Be First City in New York With Municipal Fiber
Jamestown is hoping an open access network would make internet more affordable.

Pushing Gigabit, FBA President Says Debate over Megabit Speeds ‘Silly’
At Fiber Connect, Garry Bolton said he is optimistic fiber will prevail over other tech for connectivity.

Infrastructure Bill Gets Agreement, Fiber Connect Wraps Up, Washington Community Broadband
White House announced infrastructure bill to include $65B, Fiber Connect 2021 wraps up, Washington State community broadband bill becomes law.

Windstream Focuses on Gigabit Infrastructure for Future Broadband Challenges
Company head says scalable, gigabit future is a priority now to deal with future broadband challenges.

Fiber Connect 2021 Panelists Reflect on Political Action During Pandemic and Concerns
Industry association reps discussed changing attitudes in Washington about broadband and concerns about political action.

Speed Focus Could Harm Telecom Industry, Plume CCO Says at Fiber Connect 2021
Companies disagree about what fiber providers should prioritize, and whether hard standards should be set.

‘If It’s Not Fiber, It’s Not Broadband’: C Spire Reflects on Broadband after Covid
Hu Meena argued for fiber as preferred technology, as debate rages about what Congress should focus on.

Debate on Open Access Networks Must Be Framed Through Cooperation
Fiber Connect 2021 panel breaks down how open access models work, and how discussion can be framed.

Community Broadband Networks: Huntsville, Alabama, Shows Benefits of Dark Fiber Networks
Huntsville Utilities has constructed a fiber network to nearly every residence and business but not directly connected the properties.

Infrastructure Bill With Higher Speeds, 5G Apple Phones, California Broadband, FTC Bill
Leaked infra proposal has base 100 Mbps speeds, Apple’s phones getting 5G, Newsom signs broadband bill, FTC money recovery bill.

Congress Must Support Multiple Broadband Technologies, Wireless Association Says
Debate has pitted certain tech over others, but the WIA says all broadband tech must be considered.

Broadband Breakfast Panelists Pitch Solutions for Finer Broadband Mapping Data
Experts argue for significant changes in order for broadband mapping efforts to be successful.

Simpler Fiber Connections Reducing Training Demands, Truck Rolls And Cost, Experts Say
New, easier fiber installations could address shortage in trained staff.

Fiber Should Lead Future of Broadband, But Other Technologies Important Compliments
More experts weigh in on the fiber debate, but point to other technologies as important for the future of connectivity.

Open Access Opportunity for Municipalities to Allay Competition Concerns
Open access provisions in municipal builds could alleviate fears of competition concerns with ISPs.

Robert Kubik, John Godfrey and Derek Johnston: After a Decade of Progress, What’s Next for 5G?
A decade after the advent of LTE, the next-generation 5G will be, and already is, a critical resource for Americans.

Lower Deployment Costs Could Incent More Fiber Installs, Consultants Say
Consultancy says fiber deployment costs are going down, which could mean more pure fiber plays.

Expert Touts Fiber As Only Method Of Deployment That Can Address Modern Broadband Needs
Ernesto Falcon of the EFF says expansion of fiber is the only way California keeps up with demand for broadband.

Surveying Broadband Issues Faced by Students Under COVID-19, CoSN Offers Its Recommendations
The speed of the broadband service used was only one component of the issues students faced.

US Telecom Report on American vs. European Broadband, COVID Patent Policy, A ‘Dark Force’ in Utah
This was not the first time Darth Vader strode into a council chamber, but this time he had positive news.

Gigabit Speeds: Marketing Spin or A Necessity for the Future?
Experts discuss the short- and long-term need for gigabit speeds.

Critics Call Biden Infrastructure Plan Wasteful, Target Broadband Goals
Critics are unhappy about President Joe Biden’s $2.3-billion plan that includes prioritizing local builds.

Partnerships And Trust Go Long Way To Securing Financing For Broadband Projects, Panelists Say
Broadband Breakfast panelists wrestle with the challenge of financing broadband infrastructure projects.

Telecoms Should Actively Build Broadband Infrastructure Through Road Developments
Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist said telecoms should be right there alongside new road builds and improvements.

Openreach Partners With STL For Fiber Build
Openreach aims to get 20 million fiber-to-the-premise connections by later this decade.

John Curtis, R-Utah, Opens Up About Future of Fiber and Broadband Challenges
Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis speaks about broadband rollout, education and bills more than a year into the pandemic.

Broadband Breakfast Live Online Wednesday, April 28, 2021 – Today’s Infrastructure, Tomorrow’s Speeds
This installment of Broadband Breakfast Live Online explores innovative solutions that increase the capabilities of infrastructure already in place.

Experts Weigh What Future Of Broadband Could Look Like Under Biden’s Infrastructure Plan
Experts at the Broadband Breakfast Live Online event debated what “future-proofing” broadband would look like.

Silberman Dissent Rails Against Big Tech, Space Force Broadband, North Carolina Public Private Partnerships
March 29, 2021—Judge Laurence Silberman has worn many hats throughout his career—diplomat, lawyer, jurist—and he may now add “staunch critic of big tech” to his list of titles. Silberman wrote the dissenting opinion in Tah v. Global Witness Publishing, released on March 19 by the D.C. Circuit Court

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr Optimistic About Finding Common Ground at Agency
March 24, 2021 — Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr said the regulator has since 2017 seen what he wanted: Broadband speed increases and lower prices. “The approach we adopted in 2017 is working,” he said at the Free State Foundation’s 13th annual telecom policy conference on Tuesday.

Interview: Biarri Network’s Paul Sulisz on Broadband Opportunities and Challenges
March 4, 2021 – The broadband industry is better off getting ahead of network builds instead of waiting for government subsidies, CEO of Biarri Networks Paul Sulisz said in an interview with Broadband Breakfast. That would involve focusing on getting the right people connected with the right leaders

Broadband Breakfast Live Online on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 — Design, Product and Execution: 3 Essential Steps for Every RDOF Award Winner
Panelists include: Donny Smith, CEO of FiberSmith, Sandeep Dhingra, CTO of Network Services at STL, and Brian Regan, VP at Starry, and moderated by Drew Clark of Broadband Breakfast

Telecom Act Boosters at INCOMPAS Summit Urge Broadband Boost and Net Neutrality Revival
February 8, 2021 – Washington insiders marked the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Telecommunications Act on Monday by discussing how broadband deployment must be a top priority for new government and regulatory administrations. The new-look White House and Federal Communications Commission ca

Montana Democrats Push for Rural Broadband, Hints for Big Tech under Biden, Parler CEO Fired
February 8, 2021—Montana state Democrats have announced a legislative package that aims to fill the rural broadband gap. State Rep. Katie Sullivan has introduced LC 2670, a bill that would see the creation of either a broadband manager or an advisory board under the state’s executive. The goal of t

Funding Should Focus on Fiber, and Deployment is Critical to Improving User Experience
February 2, 2021—With new leadership at the Federal Communications Commission, there is a strong probability that more agency focus and aid will be directed towards broadband deployment, advocates for broadband deployment said on January 26. They said that there is currently a great need for direct

Considering the Geopolitics of the Internet Under the Biden Administration at State of the Net
January 27, 2021 – Keynoting Wednesday’s State of the Net Conference, former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell urged the new administration of Joe Biden to promote broadband, fiber, 5G wireless networks – as well as allowing consumers to move seamlessly across wired and wirel

New Entrants in the Multifamily Broadband Space Create Policy Turnabouts and Clashes on Infrastructure
January 2, 2021 – Expect issues of broadband and multifamily housing to gain renewed attention in 2021. Watch for some strange alliances and interesting policy turnarounds. The subject matter is complicated because of both policy challenges and infrastructure issues associated with the inside wiring

Smaller Internet Providers Were Instrumental to Fiber Deployment in 2020, Says Fiber Broadband Association
December 29, 2020 — Smaller internet service providers were critical to fiber growth in 2020, accounting for 88 percent of total capital expenditure, according to the results of the latest annual study of network operators and consumer research, conducted by Mike Render, CEO of RVA LLC, for the Fibe

Paul LaManes and Tom McLaughlin: Lessons Learned from a Successful Municipal Broadband Project Partnership
When it comes to a decision that will affect the lives of everyone in your community for years to come, the only place to start is with the truism, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” What we did know is that with all the technological options we knew a collaborative expertise was going to […]

Next Generation Optical Equipment is Able to Handle Burgeoning Bandwidth Demands, Says ADTRAN
December 17, 2020 — Networks of the future need to be scalable to keep up with burgeoning bandwidth demands, according to Greg Luhman, business development manager at ADTRAN. “There has been a 56 percent increase in upstream usage, largely due to video conferencing,” said Luhman, during an event ent

Strategies For a Deadlocked FCC, the FCC’s Big RDOF Mistake, Smart Cities Leaders Awarded
Harold Feld, senior vice president of Public Knowledge, called for Democratic members of the Federal Communications Commission to fight Republican fire with fire in a recent publication, in which he lists all the tools Democrats have at their disposal to take equally audacious political actions, and

Differences in Approach to Open Access Showcased in Discussion About Lit and Dark Municipal Fiber
December 6, 2020 — Panelists involved in open access networks across the United States got into a fiery debate over the best model to follow when constructing an open access network. The exchange occurred during Thursday’s episode of Connect This!, a series sponsored by the Institute for Local Self-

Olivier Ferveur: The Buzz Over 5G Shows That New Fiber Networks Also Need a Global Standard
LUXEMBOURG, EUROPEAN UNION – On October 16, Post Luxembourg launched its commercial 5G wireless network, when the first cell sites were activated in the city of Luxembourg and other pilot zones using the 700 MegaHertz and 3.6 GigaHertz spectrum auctioned by city-state earlier this year. As a senior

Squeezing Capacity From Copper Networks While Undertaking a Transition to Fiber Broadband
November 24, 2020 — In a virtual conversation sponsored by Connected Nation Michigan, Wes Kerr, director of community solutions at Connected Nation, was joined by Chip Spann, director of engineering and technical services at Connected Nation, to discuss the predominant technologies providing broadba

At Launch of #BroadbandLive Series on ‘Tools for Broadband Deployment’, Panelists Tout Symmetrical Fiber
November 3, 2020 – Broadband networks have had their greatest challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, and sometimes fail in meeting the challenge of upstream speed needs, said Gary Bolton, vice president of ADTRAN, speaking during the kickoff event of Broadband Breakfast Live Online’s “Tools for

Google’s John Burchett Explains New Approach to Fiber-Building in West Des Moines
October 20, 2020 – There are many viable options for deploying fiber that should be explored, stressed John Burchett, head of public policy and community affairs at Google Fiber, as part of Fiber Broadband Association’s “Connecting Consumers” event series on Wednesday. After four years of pausing on

FCC Pushes American 5G Globally, Public Infrastructure and Private Services, Topography As a 5G Hurdle for T-Mobile
FCC, USAID partner to secure 5G markets in developing world, Public Infrastructure/Private Service broadband model shows promise, Topography biggest hurdle for T-Mobile 5G deployment, The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday signed a memorandum (PDF) with the U.S. Agency for International

Digital Divide is a Real Problem for Rural America, and Many Solutions Are Needed to Solve It
October 12, 2020 – The digital divide is a real problem for rural America, Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA, the Rural Broadband Association, said on Thursday at the Blandin Foundation’s conference on broadband. “People in Washington like to talk about the digital divide, those who have connectivity

Powered by Utility Fiber, Public-Private Partners in Springfield, Missouri, Now Offer Gigabit Services to Residents
October 12, 2020 — How should one go about building a gigabit city? Act quickly, be strategic and work in partnership with the private sector. That was the conclusion of panelists speaking about a fiber internet build in Springfield, Missouri, included as part of the Broadband Communities Virtual Su

Electric Utilities and Rural Coops Are Increasingly Important in Nation’s Broadband
October 2, 2020 – Electric utilities and rural cooperatives are increasingly building out broadband, agreed panelists at last week’s Broadband Communities Virtual Summit. Sheryl Riggs, CEO of Utilities Technology Council, believed that while utilities will probably not surpass other providers to bec

At Broadband Communities Summit, Rural Communities Discuss Many Ways to Finance Fiber Networks
September 30, 2020 – Municipalities are well suited to investment in broadband networks, particularly those in rural areas, said Ben Fineman, president and co-founder of Michigan Broadband Cooperative, at the Broadband Communities Virtual Summit on Thursday. He said that many for-profit broadband pr

Broadband Communities Summit Reprises Age-Old Question About Fiber Versus Wireless Networks
September 29, 2020 — A panel of experts with experience deploying both fiber and wireless networks weighed the pros and cons of each technology during a virtual conversation on Thursday streamed as part of the Broadband Communities 2020 Virtual Summit. The panelists recognized that there are benefit

Strategies for Interconnecting Middle-Mile and Last-Mile Fiber Critical Amid COVID19 Pandemic
September 25, 2020 — Understanding and developing strategies for interconnecting middle-mile and last-mile networks has become even more critical since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, with many across the country currently aiming to expand last-mile fiber networks in urban and rural America.

Facebook and Google Are Also Participants in Broadband Public-Private Partnerships
September 23, 2020 — Localities, states, and companies are embracing broadband partnerships through public and private entities that work together in mutually beneficial ways to overcome broadband gaps. To these public and private partnerships, the Coalition for Local Internet Choice hosted a three-

NTCA Conference Highlights Collaboration With Municipalities, Cyber Security, and Supply Chain Woes
September 16, 2020 – Partnerships between local municipal governments and private broadband providers can actually work, according to a panel on “Communities in Need” at Tuesday’s kick-off the rural broadband association NTCA. Some local communities, like Fairlawn, Ohio, have begun taking forward-th

Strains on Capital Suggest Need for Effective Use of Assets in Deploying Fiber Networks
September 8, 2020 —The right time to engage in accessing funding is right now, fiber financers said during an ADTRAN webinar on Wednesday. “The market is getting more congested and more difficult to enter,” said Peter Stokes, senior managing director at Macquarie Bank, and “it’s crucial to enter soo

Ubiquitous Fiber Infrastructure is Essential to Maximize the Advantages of 5G, According to WIA Report
August 20, 2020 — The Wireless Infrastructure Association recently published a new report, entitled “Fiber: An Essential Facet of the Connected Community,” which finds that ubiquitous fiber is an essential backbone to 5G connectivity. WIA’s report (PDF) recognizes that in order to maximize the advan

South Florida Fiber-Optic Network, Rural Broadband in New York, Copyright Office’s Sesquicentennial, Internet Honorees
As part of an effort in Longboat Key, Florida to move electrical infrastructure underground, the town is also building a city-wide fiber-optic network, which holds the potential to foster 100 percent internet connectivity within the town, GovTech reported. The project was born out of an ongoing conc

Facebook Builds Fiber-Spinning Robot, UK Bans Huawei, WISPA Fights For Unlicensed Spectrum
The Facebook Connectivity team announced Monday that it has developed a robotic aerial fiber deployment solution, in collaboration with a number of partners, which could assist in CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s goal of expanding internet access around the globe, CNET reported. The solution utilizes a robot d

West Des Moines and Google Fiber, Big Tech’s Advantage, Trump Considers TikTok Ban
The city of West Des Moines will invest $40 million to become Iowa’s first Google Fiber-enabled city, the Des Moines Register reported. The agreement between the West Des Moines City Council and Google Fiber is set to pass Monday, with other fiber providers expected to sign on at a later date. The p

Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg Describes 5G-to-the-Home Vision, Claiming U.S. Leads in 5G Deployment
July 8, 2020 – The United States is leading in the deployment of 5G, claimed Verizon Communications CEO Hans Vestberg on Wednesday. Vestberg updated the public on the rollout of 5G and Verizon’s response to COVID-19, among other matters, in a virtual conversation with David Rubenstein, president of

Once Neglected, Subsea Broadband Cables Face Fresh Challenges, Federal and Local
June 23, 2020 — Due to the nature of its services, the subsea cable industry deals with numerous threats on a routine basis. In a webinar hosted by Federal Communications Bar Association on Monday, panelists detailed the challenges that the submarine cable industry faces as it attempts to connect th

Claims of Broadband Service by Incumbent Providers Renders Minnesota City Ineligible for FCC’s Rural Funds
June 19, 2020 — There is currently considerable buzz around the prospect of obtaining bids from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the largest federal initiative to subsidize rural broadband in America to date. However, it is no secret that the rural digital funding will be allotted based off of ma

Optimal Network Strategies Will Increase Chances of Receiving Rural Broadband Funds
June 12, 2020 — For regional operators, the stakes are more competitive than ever, as the Federal Communication Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction has significantly accelerated the agency’s efforts to subsidize broadband coverage in unserved areas across America. In a webinar hosted

Bandwidth Demands Project 10 Gigabit Network Capabilities Required Next Decade
June 11, 2020 — “Many gigabit passive optical networks will exhaust in the 2020s, as bandwidth demands have been accelerated by COVID-19,” said Ed Harstead, lead technologist at Nokia, at a webinar hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association on Thursday. Panelists predicted that gigabit networks offer

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Weighting System Favors Low Latency Technology
June 9, 2020 — The Federal Communications Commission adopted procedures for Phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction, or Auction 904, at their open meeting Tuesday. The auction, scheduled to begin October 29, will award up to $16 billion in federal support to existing and prospective br

Chris Collura: The Time is Right for Federal Agencies to Upgrade Network Infrastructure
The federal government has always been one of the largest consumers of broadband and that has become especially true with the transition of most federal workers to a telework status. The federal government continues an upward trajectory as guidelines and budgets push for a digital transformation tha

Failing to Future-Proof Fiber Networks Will Have Costly Return on Investment Effects
June 5, 2020 — According to market analysts, labor costs account for around 60 percent of the cost of fiber infrastructure construction. Panelists on a webinar hosted by Telecompetitor on Wednesday advocated considering scalability up front, to avoid labor intensive and costly future infrastructure

Fiber Networks Hold a Cybersecurity Advantage Over Rival Co-Axial and Wireless Technologies, Say Panelists
May 28, 2020 — Not all internet infrastructures are created equal, and some are more susceptible to cybersecurity attacks than others. According to panelists on a Fiber for Breakfast webinar hosted Wednesday by the Fiber Broadband Association, fiber optic internet infrastructure is far less vulnerab

Coronavirus Roundup: SiFi Networks Scores $450 Million, Universal Broadband in California Town, COVID-Negative Certifications
Investments of up to $450 million will help to bring high-speed fiber connectivity to millions across the country, said fiber company SiFi Networks. The company announced Tuesday that it had recently secured the funding and will use it to expand infrastructure and hire specialists in several new cit

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr Says Agency Coronavirus Response a Success
May 12, 2020 — The Federal Communication Commission’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has been successful, Commissioner Brendan Carr said in a Federal Communications Bar Association teleconference Monday. The conference, hosted by FCBA President-elect Natalie Roisman and moderated by FCBA Presi

Passive Optical Networks Need to Transform As More Americans Rely on Fiber at Home
May 7, 2020 – Current passive optical network technology will have to transform if it wants to survive, said Adtran product line manager Javier Lopez in a Thursday webinar hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association. The coronavirus pandemic has created a traffic surge that gives a glimpse into the

Fiber Optics Generally a Better Option Than Wireless, Even in Rural Areas, Says Municipal Broadband Advocate
May 5, 2020 – As internet connectivity grows increasingly essential, fiber optics may prove to be a better option than wireless internet connection, the Institute for Local Self Reliance’s Christopher Mitchell said Tuesday at a webinar hosted by the nonprofit Merit Network. Mitchell, who directs th

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction Should Favor Fiber Builders, Says Corning Analyst
April 20, 2020— There are aspects of fiber-optic cabling that make the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction “very favorable” to the technology, said Kara Mullaley, a market development manager at Corning Optical Communications at a webinar hosted by Corning on Thursday. The Rural Digital Opportuni

Lack of Symmetrical Networks May be Choking Internet Performance, Say Fiber Advocates on Webinar
April 9, 2020 – Local broadband speeds may be impaired by upload speed, says analyst at a webinar hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association on Wednesday. While overall broadband usage during the coronavirus may have leveled out, networks that use symmetrical technologies, in which users require the

Sonic CEO Dane Jasper Says Copper Leasing Provides Foundation for Expanding Broadband Fiber
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2020 — Dane Jasper, CEO of mid-size internet service provider Sonic, promoted his brand and challenged that of big telecom providers at Incompas’ policy summit on Tuesday. “Our approach is to run [wires] as fast as they will go,” said Jasper. In addition, Sonic offers no data ca

Broadband Roundup: Britain and Huawei, EPIC Fights Against Facial Recognition, E-Rate Fiber
Axios says that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is inching toward a decision that could profoundly shift the relationship between Britain and the United States over Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei. But in a research note, Strand Consult projects that the U.K. will in fact ban the use of H

Broadband Roundup: More on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, 5G National Advocacy, and Policy Hackers
In advance of a Federal Communications Commission vote on the proposed Rural Digital Opportunity Fund on January 30, the agency released an analysis of areas eligible for the new federal subsidies. The new fund, a crafted version of the Connect America Fund, is expected to disperse $20.4 billion in

Broadband Roundup: Everyone (Almost) Gangs Up on Google, Muni Broadband Fact Sheet, SHLB Anchornet Conference
It seems that everyone except California and Alabama wants in on the action, whatever that action is, against Google. Attorneys general for 48 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico on Monday announced an antitrust investigation, although not a lawsuit, against search engine giant Goo

Cable Industry Touts Energy Efficiency, Next Century Highlights Open Access Fiber, Aspen Forum Set
Nearly 100 percent of internet modems, routers, and other equipment sold to residential broadband subscribers in 2018 met the energy-efficiency standards of the Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Small Network Equipment, according to a new report from auditor D+R

Rep. Bob Latta and Ajit Pai on Robocalls, Rural Massachusetts Projects, John Horrigan Report on Digital Divide
Congress and the Federal Communications Commission are working together to stop robocalls, wrote FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, in an op-ed on Wednesday. Rep. Latta in April introduced legislation that encourages phone companies to automatically block unwanted robocalls, and in Ju

‘Dig Once’ Provides Future-Proofing Solution for Federal Highway Infrastructure, Says BroadbandNow
WASHINGTON, August 7, 2019 – Investment in future-proofing roads for high-speed fiber optic infrastructure could save $126 billion federal dollars on broadband deployment. But Congress has yet to pass any legislation in support of “dig once” conduit building, according to a recent report from Broadb

USF Cap, New Pew Map, State Support for Electric Co-Ops, IP3 Awards
The Universal Service Fund should be subject to a budget cap, argued Technology Policy Institute Senior Fellows Sarah Oh and Scott Wallsten in a filing to the Federal Communications Commission. “A budget cap will create incentives for the entire USF community to assess the program, experiment with n

Drew Clark: Broadband Maps Are a Mess, So Now Let’s Focus on Actually Improving Them
The Founder of Broadband Census and Breakfast Breakfast, and the former executive director of the Partnership for a Connected Illinois – one of the State Broadband Initiatives that actually created the National Broadband Map – comments on a growing controversy.

Muni Broadband Fare Well in PCMag Study, CenturyLink Intercity Fiber, Facebook and Kids’ Privacy
Locally-run internet service providers offer better broadband than their private sector counterparts, according to a recent study by PCMag. The data shows that six of America’s ten fastest ISPs either involve some form of public-private partnership or were run directly by a local community. “Local n

Electronic Frontier Foundation Lawsuit Against Mobile Data Collection, and Fort Collins Fiber Network
The Electronic Frontier Foundation announced Tuesday that it is filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of AT&T customers in California to stop the telecom giant and two data location aggregators from allowing third parties to access wireless customers’ real-time locations without authorization. The

Consumer Groups Oppose Project Libra, Comcast on Shapefile Mapping, Windstream Goes Wireless
The Hill reports that dozens of consumer advocacy groups have called for congressional committees and regulatory agencies to impose a moratorium on Facebook’s cryptocurrency project. Among the 33 groups include Public Citizen, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Economic Policy Institute

Rural Telecommunications Congress Webcast Series Begins with Focus on Collaboration on Colorado’s Western Slopes
MONTROSE, Colorado, July 2, 2019- Policymakers and providers agree that collaboration is vital to sustaining high-quality broadband in rural communities. However, there is still work that needs to be done to deploy high-speed symmetrical broadband, panelists said Tuesday at a rural broadband webcast

Removing Chinese Telecommunications Equipment From U.S. Broadband Networks Would Cost More Than $1 Billion
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2019 – When it comes to removing Huawei or ZTE telecommunications equipment from U.S. broadband networks, a strategy of “rip and place” would cost well over $1 billion. Rural broadband carriers don’t have the budget for that, and they are concerned that the costs of a retrofit w

Transparency for Tech Platforms, Fiber in American Fork and Mountain Connect
Axios is reporting that Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., plan to introduce The Designing Accounting Safeguards to Help Broaden Oversight and Regulations on Data Act (DASHBOARD). The measure would require tech company to better explain to consumers what they are giving up when they s

5G Needs Fiber, Anchorage Wireless Project and Budgeting for Broadband in Fort Collins
Just because 5G is “around the corner” doesn’t mean fiber optic broadband development is unnecessary, said Ben Lewis-Ramirez of Lit Communities. Ramirez is not the only one with a cynical outlook on 5G’s nationwide rollout. “Deep deployment of fiber optics is a national imperative. The success of 5G

Broadband Roundup: Texas Rural Funds Collaborative and Infrastructure Zone in Indiana
Currently, 1.45 million residents of rural Texas lack high-speed internet connections, but a program launched on Wednesday by Connected Texas, a subsidiary of the national nonprofit Connected Nation, will attempt to change that. Connected Texas is taking a three-step approach over the next two years

Georgia State Plan, New Bills in Alabama, and Launch in Loveland, Colorado
Approximately 1.6 million residents of rural Georgia currently lack high-speed internet access, but this could change under a new state broadband plan (PDF) released this month, AJC reported. According to Georgia officials, this will have a major impact on schools, hospitals, farmers, and more. The

Utah’s Open Infrastructure Network Releases Timetable for Fiber in Orem; To Complete Buildout by 2022
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: There is much to cheer for better broadband in Utah, including this report from today’s Daily Herald. The Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency, the U.S.’s largest open access network, is on a roll. It is boasting an accelerated buildout in several Utah commu

Rep. Anna Eshoo Reintroduces Broadband Bills to Lay Conduit, Streamline Pole Attachments and Permit Community Broadband
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Rep. Anna Eshoo on Thursday introduced three separate measures designed to expedite broadband access. The Conduit Deployment Act and the CLIMB Once Act are common-sense measures that enjoy strong support from many players in the industry, at least at a general level. The

Industry Groups and Non Profit Advocates Offer Encouraging Words about House Energy and Commerce Broadband Measure
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Telecommunications industry and advocacy organizations on Wednesday and Thursday reacted to the introduction of the LIFT America Act, H.R. 2741, which stands for Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s America Act, by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pall

Time to Focus on California Legislation That Affects Infrastructure Access to Rights-of-Way and Conduit, says EFF
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: California, and many other states, have muscled their way onto the national broadband stage. They’ve done this through legislation that would either require net neutrality protections that the Federal Communications Commission removed in December 2017, or use state purch

Portland, Home to Historic Open Access Battles, is Bringing Municipal Dark Fiber to Light
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Susan Crawford is once again bringing history to life with this blast-from-the-past story of how “net neutrality” owes some of its roots to a 20-year-old fight in Portland. Today, however, the city is bringing open access battles into the 21st Century. (We wrote about La

What Will Fiber Optic Network Owner Zayo’s Acquisition by Private Equity Mean for Broadband?
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Many fiber-focused companies in the U.S., and overseas, have turned to private equity investors instead of the public markets. What the public company Zayo’s acquisition mean for the industry? Steven Blum takes a stab at his prognostication. One can only hope that it bod
SiFi Networks Brings Infrastructure Financing to California With $75 Million Open-Access Fiber in Fullerton
SiFi Networks’ recent announcement of a more-than $75 million open-access network in Fullerton, Calif., represents a departure from the public-private model that the company had been pursuing in the U.S. over the past four years. SiFi is continuing its focus on an open-access network, or a network i

SiFi Networks Announces Whole-City Open Access Fiber Network in Fullerton, California
SiFi Networks on Monday announced that it had obtained funding to build an open access fiber network through the whole city of Fullerton, California. SiFi will fund, build and operate the networks in partnership with Internet Service Providers, which will market services to individual households. A

Neighborly Takes Lead in Deploying New Business Models for Fiber Networks
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: New business models are coming for fiber to the home deployments across the U.S. On Tuesday, Medina County, Ohio, announced just such a model, together with Neighborly, a company that provides communities with access to capital for broadband projects. The fiber networks

Big Black Eye for Google as it Shuts Down its Fiber Access Network in Louisville, Kentucky
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: As Google says goodbye to the first of its fiber cities in which it has actually deployed connectivity, questions swirl about what happens to the network already in place. In its blog post, Google refers to “learn[ing]” by failing,” and links to an article about challeng

Piece Outlines SiFi Networks’ Plan to Build Open Access Network in Saratoga Springs, New York
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: We reported this news back in August, but it’s worth highlighting again with this new new piece on SiFi Networks’ project in Saratoga Springs, a city of 28,027 in upstate New York. Most notably, the article includes a link to the agreement between SiFi Networks and the c

Neighborly Launches its Broadband Accelerator with 35 Cities, Stoking Momentum for Open Access Fiber
November 16, 2018 – With the launch of a group of communities in a “broadband accelerator” launched by the municipal finance portal Neighborly, the momentum behind open access broadband networks is continuing to build. On Thursday, Neighborly announced that it had selected 35 cities, including sizab

On Broadband, California Again Leads the Way in Helping Promote Rural Broadband
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: There’s no question that California courts controversy, in technology and telecommunications as well as many other spaces. However, putting aside the drama over net neutrality, this bill removing restrictions on the public option will aid rural broadband. In particular,

How the Utah Open Access Fiber Network Is Getting Back its Groove
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: The Utah Telecommunications Open Infrastructure Agency has been outperforming expectations for some time; and never more so than recently. This post from FreeUTOPIA summarizes some of the reasons. In September, the entity signed a deal with Layton to allow the city to ac

News Report on Google Fiber Cites a Lack of Progress in Salt Lake in Provo
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT – Views differ on the extent of Google Fiber progress, or persistence, throughout the country, and particularly here in Utah. I have cousins in both Provo and Salt Lake, each of whom have Google Fiber, each of whom love Google Fiber. And yet reports such as this one highl

A New Public-Private Model for Gigigabit Broadband Gains Ground in Saratoga Springs, New York
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: SiFi Networks appears to be gaining some traction in the U.S., based upon this report from Telecompaper. The company bring a public-private partnership model to a universal broadband build within cities, helping cities to get gigabit symmetrical service — and to have con

Community Broadband Efforts Alive and Thriving in Ohio, Maryland and Utah
PITTSBURGH, August 16, 2018 – Big telecommunications providers are not making it easy for communities to step up and offer robust broadband service, even in low-density areas that the private sector has declined to serve for years, according to experts speaking at a July 23 Next Century Cities confe

FCC Passes ‘One Touch Make Ready,’ Designed to Speed Broadband Deployment, on a Split Vote
WASHINGTON, August 2, 2018 – The Federal Communications Commission voted to pass the new, so-called “One Touch Make Ready” policy, a measure designed to accelerate pole attachment processes for new broadband deployments. At the agency’s monthly open meeting today, the commissioners voted 3-1 to shif

While Google and Verizon Favor ‘One Touch Make Ready,’ Comcast and AT&T Want to Drag Heels
WASHINGTON, August 2, 2018 – Google Fiber and Verizon split with AT&T and Comcast over the so-called “One-Touch Make-Ready” policy, with the former claiming that the need for faster deployment speeds make the policy essential, and the other side claiming it oversteps existing rules and jurisdiction

Rural Electric Cooperatives Pose an Obvious Solution for Deploying Fiber to Rural Areas, Says Former FCC Official
PITTSBURGH, July 31, 2018 – Rural electric cooperatives and not “small cell” deployment powered by 5G networks, may be the solution to closing the digital divide, according to Jonathan Chambers, former chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Strategic Planning. Speaking at the reg

For Robust Broadband in the 5G Era, More Local Control May Be Required
PITTSBURGH, July 30, 2018 – Many broadband experts speaking at the Next Century Cities regional summit here said last week that city jurisdiction should take precedence over federal rules in ensuring impactful broadband deployment. The conference highlighted some of these local voices, eager for bro

Public-Private Partnerships, Local Involvement Central to Colorado Broadband Success
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2018 – Colorado broadband officials stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in extending broadband access to unserved Americans in rural areas, and expressed doubts that the so-called fifth-generation wireless standard dubbed 5G will be the answer to closing the di

Blair Levin’s Scathing Takedown of FCC’s Ajit Pai, Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, and 5G Hype
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: We were present at the Broadband Communities Summit at which Blair Levin gave these remarks; thanks to the Coalition for Local Internet Choice for providing the complete and unvarnished record of this important and scathing speech. Remember that Levin was the former exec

Why 5G Wireless Deployments Are Not an In-Home Solution for Better Broadband
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: This falls into the category of a gaffe, or when a politically-minded business like AT&T accidentally tells the truth. Here, the truth is that 5G is not, current hype notwithstanding, a fiber-to-the-home killer. Instead, 5G will rely more directly on fiber build deeper i
Goldman Sachs-Based Consortium to Acquire U.K.-Based CityFibre, Pioneer of the Wholesale Open Access Broadband
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: We’ve been watching the progress of CityFibre closely because of what it is demonstrating on the other side of the pond: The future of broadband is in wholesale. Separating infrastructure from services provides significant advantages in being able to raise capital. This

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Discuss Broadband at Senate Hearing
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2018 – Questions about how the federal government will be involved in rolling out the next-generation infrastructure for wireless, known as 5G (for 5th generation) remained after a Wednesday infrastructure hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee. “With the rise of the internet

With a Potential Sale of Fiber Assets, Where is Windstream Going as a Telecom Company?
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Windstream seems to increasingly be trying to talk and act like an AT&T or Verizon Communications. This article highlights some strong aspects to his heritage as a back-haul fiber-optic provider. If this division is sold, it might mark the continued evolution toward tele

Leaked Copy of Trump Administration’s Infrastructure Plan Shows Few Provisions for Broadband
WASHINGTON, January 22, 2018 – A leaked document purporting to be an outline of the Trump Administration’s forthcoming infrastructure plan makes few provisions for broadband or other digital infrastructure outside of rural areas. The six-page outline, which was first reported by Axios, bears the tit

Trump Signs Executive Order Expediting Rural Broadband with Federal Lands, Towers and Fiber
WASHINGTON, January 8, 2018 – President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order encouraging rural broadband deployment by speeding up permitting processes for facilities on federal land and allowing wireless broadband equipment to be co-located on federally-owned towers. In addition to the

New Resource from Institute for Local Self-Reliance on Building Fiber in Rural America
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Once again, the folks at the Institute for Local Self Reliance have produced another standout report on how to get better broadband to those parts of American that are not served by the major incumbents. This report focuses on the role that cooperatives are playing, and

New Alliance Between Vodafone and CityFibre in UK Shows Progress of Global Wholesale Fiber Model
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Major news from the United Kingdom with the deal announced between Vodafone and CityFibre. This deal shows how the rest of the world is adapting to the model that the United States has not yet, but eventually will: Separation of infrastructure from services. Vodafone thr

Lexington, Home to the Kentucky Wired Middle-Mile Project, Seeks Municipal Fiber
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: The power of municipal broadband isn’t going away. While competition benefits everyone, it’s undeniable that as the custodians of their rights of way, local government will play a role in the telecommunications infrastructure developments of the future. Charter gets comp

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Visits Puerto Rico to Assess Communications Infrastructure Recovery Efforts
WASHINGTON, November 7, 2017 — The Universal Service Fund dollars the Federal Communications Chairman has allocated for rebuilding Puerto Rico’s communications infrastructure has helped with rebuilding efforts so far, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said on Monday in a statement following his visit to meet w

Wireless Gigabit Broadband Provider Siklu Addresses High-Speed Access
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Siklu, which has been active in promoting the way high-speed wireless gigabit access can help communities leverage fiber-optic infrastructure, assembles a useful primer on its technology and business case for deployment. Providing 21th Century Broadband with Fixed Wirele

Verizon Takes a ‘Pole Position’ More Suited to a New Entrant Than an Established Incumbent
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: It is truly astonishing to see an incumbent provider, such as Verizon, taking the position that there must be easier access to poles and rights of way. But that’s a good thing! Perhaps this is evidence of how far Verizon has moved away from the public utility model, but
To Help Realize the Vision of 5G Networks, Deep Fiber is Necessary
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Allow us to highlight one of the seven points made by Patrick Brogan in this commentary: Deep fiber. In this piece, he highlights seven elements – (1) Technical standards, (2) cell densification, (3) coexistence of 4G and 5G, (4) reevaluation of the mobile network archit
Broadband Breakfast to Attend Ammon, Idaho-Next Century Cities Event on Open Access Fiber Networks
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: The long-awaited day has arrived for the “official” launch of the open-access fiber-optic network in Ammon, Idaho. This city of about 14,000 people has been making waves for some time with its unique approach to (a) providing advanced open-access technology and (b) enabl

Wireless Internet Service Providers Pitch Fixed Wireless Technology in Forthcoming Infrastructure Bill
Wireline technologies such as fiber and cable are usually deployed where populations are greater, but areas with less density can best be served with fixed wireless networks for far less money, say WISPA officials.

In Order to Take Advantage of 5G, We Need Fiber Deeper Into U.S. Neighborhoods
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: A useful voice of skepticism on the viability and timeliness of 5G. Here’s the simple point: Our nation don’t have enough fiber, deep enough, in order to capitalize on 5G. As the article says later on, “federal, state, and local governments have policy and regulatory lev
Drew Clark: Rebutting Myths About UTOPIA and Fiber Networks in Deseret News Column
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Here’s my piece in the Deseret News, responding to information about the Utah Telecommunications Open Infrastructure Agency that simply isn’t correct. I discuss why cities need to open up their thinking about using fiber as a utility, and why cities are going to be in th

President Trump Remains Committed to Moving Broadband Through Infrastructure Bill
WASHINGTON, August 1, 2017 — President Donald Trump is committed to moving an infrastructure bill this year despite making little legislative progress towards on other policy goals, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Monday. “The President has been very outspoken on the need

Probing the Roots of How to Bring Better Broadband to Rural Areas
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Our friend Craig Settles probes the question: How can rural areas get better broadband? Equally important, he provides some concrete examples of where and how it is happening. Broadband and Rural Economices – Maybe Small is Better | Rural communities should set realistic
Rural Broadband Focus Increasingly Necessary in Infrastructure Package, Say Blackburn and Panelists at Brookings
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2017 – Rural areas of Tennessee have lost business because they don’t have access to high-speed internet, Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn said Monday at a panel on broadband infrastructure hosted by the Brookings Institution. Trump was aggressively pushing new infrast

Gigabit City Summit, One of the First Promoting Fiber Connectivity, Meets in Kansas City
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: One of the first groups to begin the movement toward a Gigabit City, KC Digital Drive, prepares for its Gigabit City Summit next week in Kansas City. Take advantage of opportunities to learn about how your city can benefit from fiber-optic connectivity! Why a Gigabit Cit

CityFibre Gains on Competitors in U.K. with Aggressive New Investment in Open Access Model
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Major new expansion by wholesale infrastructure provider CityFibre in U.K., giving more credence to the “open access” model that is beginning to be deployed globally. Under such a model, one entity owns the fiber infrastructure, with another selling retail internet acces

Drew Clark Announces Broadband-Focused Candidacy for City Council in Orem, Utah
OREM, Utah, July 6, 2017 – The founder of the Broadband Breakfast Club, journalist and lawyer Drew Clark, announced his candidacy for city council here with a campaign seeking to tap into “Better Broadband, Better Lives.” Orem is the fifth-largest city in Utah, home to Utah Valley University, and a

White House Will Host 25 Technology Founders and CEOs Thursday to Discuss 5G, Broadband and the Economy
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2017 — The White House on Thursday plans to continue its “tech week” by hosting a group of 25 technology company founders and CEOs to meet with Trump Administration officials on new technologies and promoting economic progress, Deputy Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios sa

There Was Little to Show for Digital Broadband During the ‘Infrastructure Week’ at the White House
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2017 — Despite myriad public events and a soundbyte-friendly title of “Infrastructure Week,” last week the White House was light on infrastructure and nearly empty of plans to build out 21st century digital infrastructure of fiber or wireless broadband. “There’s not going to be

Two Municipal Broadband Groups Criticize Data and Analysis in U. Penn Paper
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2017 – Two organizations supportive of municipal broadband advocacy efforts last week issued differing reports critical of a May 24 report by a University of Pennsylvania professor. The report, by Christopher Yoo and Timothy Pfenninger, was titled “Municipal Fiber in the United S

Bringing Fiber-Optics to Maryland’s Eastern Shore Requires Champions and Partners, Say Panelists
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2017 – Champions, partnerships and flexibility are necessary to bring fiber-optic networks to less-populated communities, said participants involved in launching such a network in Kent County, Maryland. Speaking at a Friday panel was hosted at the Schools Health and Libraries Bro
During ‘Infrastructure Week’ at the White House, One Wonders: Where’s the Infrastructure?
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2017 — Despite giving this week the title of “Infrastructure Week” at the White House, President Donald Trump and his staff haven’t taken any public actions to make digital infrastructure, such as high-speed broadband, a part of their plans for the much-discussed infrastructure b

How Donald Trump’s Infrastructure Plan Departs From Traditional Federal Funding
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2017 — Infrastructure plans in President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget represent a significant break from his predecessor not only in the brick-and-mortar variety, but also in the next generation of infrastructure for the next generation of the American economy — wired and wireless
Launching in Huntsville, Alabama, Google Takes Different Approach to Fiber
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: The Huntsville combination of open access and leased fiber is a model to watch! || Google Fiber launches in Huntsville, Alabama by leasing new municipal fiber network, from 9to5 Google: First announced over a year ago, Google Fiber is now live in Huntsville, Alabama. Alp
Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Next Century Cities Address ‘Fiber Fallacies’ of Yoo Report
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Always important to get to the bottom of reports criticizing municipal networks in an incomplete fashion. Bravo to Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Next Century Cities for addressing these. || Addressing UPenn Report: Dud Data, Unsuitable Approach, from Institute fo
Wharton School Presents Research and Policy Discussion Critical of Municipal Fiber
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: We’ll be looking for some alternative analysis of this material. Interesting to see that this is becoming such a focus of certain industry observers and interests. || Municipal Fiber in the U.S.: An Empirical Assessment of the Financial Performance, from Wharton’s Public
Spotlight on Advantages of Open Access Networks at Broadband Communities Summit
Open access networks are becoming more real for gigabit connectivity in the United States.

Innovative Fiber Financing Through a ‘Broadband Improvement District’ in Ammon, Idaho
DALLAS, May 1, 2017 – One of the biggest puzzles in broadband today is a financial conundrum: Our nation needs next-generation networks everywhere, but advanced internet capacity is spotty at best. One solution to the problem of financing universal broadband networks — on display in Ammon, Idaho — w
Microtrenching and Fixed Wireless Part of Google Fiber’s New Playbook in Louisville
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: This development highlights that Google Fiber isn’t done with fiber builds — just exploring new methods and models with which to carry forward. || Google Fiber officially selects Louisville, KY to run its new gigabit play, from Tech Republic: Google Fiber has confirmed t
Recently Introduced Maine Bill Could Stymie Municipal and Public-Private Fiber Builds
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: A concerning new development from Maine. Thanks to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance for raising this issue through this alert. || Bill Introduced in Maine Legislature to Limit Local Authority over Broadband Investment, from Community Broadband Networks: Maine State
An Examination of the Wealth Disparities in Neighborhoods Served by AT&T’s Fiber Deployment
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: A new report from the Haas Institute raises the question that’s been lurking behind the important-to-significant fiber rollouts over the past decade by Verizon, Google and AT&T: Are these providers cherry-picking their neighborhoods? This report drills deeply into AT&T’s
Now Coming in Broadband Infrastructure: The Battle Over Pole Attachments and ‘One Touch’
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: One of the most interesting questions in broadband infrastructure today centers around dry legalities like “dig once” and “one touch.” This conflict in Louisville shows that Google still intends to stay in the battle, at least on the policy and legal front, vis-a-vis inc
California Broadband Politics Concerning Building Conduits in State Rights-of-Way
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: By taking this action, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has likely avoided the fate of a bill that would require the agency to add conduit to infrastructure projects. See Steve Blum’s perspective below, and on the link. || Caltrans buries dig once c
Rhode Island Community Considering Fiber-Optic Open Access Network
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Open access networks, such as those proposed by SiFi Networks, are important because they allow for the next generation applications and services. This story updates how a Rhode Island community is considering the company for its fiber network. Economic Development Commi
Riverside County Introduces Broadband Initiative for Area the Size of New Jersey
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, April 19, 2017 – At 7,200 square miles, this Southern California county is nearly the size of New Jersey. On April 3, the county put out a “Request for Participants” in an effort to jump-start a $2 billion to $4 billion initiative building a gigabit fiber network. The project
Universal Service Administrative Corp. Unveils ‘New Look,’ Will Address Programs at Rural Telecom Congress
DALLAS, April 18, 2017 – The Universal Service Administrative Corporation may not grab broadband headlines, but the once-obscure federal agency is central to helping rural America and other stakeholders get Broadband Broadband, Better Lives. USAC’s programs, plus its “new look,” will be the subject

Register to Attend the Rural Telecommunications Congress Program at Broadband Communities Summit
DALLAS, April 6, 2017 – The Rural Telecommunications Congress program at the 2017 Broadband Communities Summit here on May 1-4, 2017, will feature panelists on the Universal Service Administrative Corporation’s role in bringing broadband to underserved and unserved communities, the role of broadband
Fiber to the Home Network Launches in Ammon, Idaho: Poses New Challenge to Vertically-Integrated Communications Incumbents
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: This came out just over a month ago, but is well worth highlighting. Ammon, Idaho, has developed a model that helps to break apart the closed-box model of the vertically-integrated communications providers. This article on Muni Networks well encapsulates some of the ways
Rural Tennessee Sees Another Utility Venture into Fiber Marketplace
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Another possible success story from Appalachia, where local utilities are stepping up to the plate and making fiber the new utility for middle America. Morristown And Newport Buddy-Up For Broadband In Rural TN, from MuniNetworks.org Morristown Utilities Commission (MUC)
A Battle Over Structural Separation of Broadband in the United Kingdom
Broadband Breakfast Insight: Unlike the United States, the UK has a system of “structural separations” – at least in theory – where the provider of the wholesale networks (Openreach) is to be separated from its sister-provider of retail broadband services (BT). This article recounts some of the cont
In Charlotte, Fiber to the Home Builds by Google, AT&T Still Require Cleanup
Broadband Breakfast Insight: This article in the Charlotte Observer highlights the fact that, even when people want fiber, there are inevitably logistical and infrastructure challenges that need to be managed in a fiber-to-the-home build. Both Google Fiber and AT&T are impacted by the problem. Buste
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Pai Announces Broadband Advisory Group to Propose Model City Ordinances
WASHINGTON, January 31, 2017 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai on Tuesday announced the formation of a new federal advisory committee that would seek to accelerate deployment of high-speed broadband nationwide, and to close the digital divide, by providing a model approach to dep
Nearly One Third of AT&T’s Fiber Subscribers Take a Gigabit of Service
Broadband Breakfast Insight: The need for speed is here, and is here to stay. You don’t build a next century network to accomodate the current capacity, but the capacity that people are going to be using. Here is more evidence that the future is coming sooner rather than later. AT&T says 30% of FTTH
Coping With Changes to Google Fiber
Broadband Breakfast Insight: We have no information on the veracity of this speculation, from last week’s Fortune, but it is clear that the broadband ecosystem is in the midst of coping with Google’s retrenchment from expansions in the fiber marketplace. -> Why Google Might Be Getting Ready to Dump
With Wireline Providers Underinvesting, Who Will Make Broadband Infrastructure Push?
Broadband Breakfast Insight: Will the cable or the telco incumbents make the first move to the gigabit fiber future? The answer may be “none of the above.” Public-private partnerships unallied with either camp may make the next move in getting infrastructure to the smart cities of the future. -> AT&
How Rio Blanco Shows That a ‘Shared Network’ Can Make Sense in Rural Colorado
Broadband Breakfast Insight: A great article detailing the way that a rural community, even in a sparsely-populated region of Colorado, is able to make an open-access network work for the communities and residents of the region. -> Rio Blanco County Stays Relevant With Broadband, from Broadband Comm
Utah’s Fiber-Friendly Infrastructure Puts it at Top of Akamai’s Broadband Speed Rankings
Broadband Breakfast Insight: Fiber is prevalent in the Utah broadband marketplace, both because of Google Fiber, and because of the Utah Telecommunications Open Infrastructure Agency. This helps push the speed upward on the state’s connection speeds.-> Utah Internet Speed #2 in the Country and #3 in
In a Reversal From its Fiber-Optic Retreat, Verizon Begins Boston Rollout
Broadband Breakfast Insight: Although this article highlights the negatives, it is a bit of a reversal that, in spite of its general withdrawl from the FiOS marketplace, Verizon is going full-scale in Boston. -> Verizon begins fiber optic rollout in Boston – The Verge Verizon is beginning its $300 m
Utah Foundation Report Highlights Pioneering Work for Advanced Broadband, Including UTOPIA Gigabit Network
SALT LAKE CITY, October 19, 2015 – Utah has been leading the nation in many areas of broadband internet access and its proliferation, according to a report released on Wednesday [http://www.utahfoundation.org/reports/21st-century-infrastructure-how-broadband-internet-has-shaped-and-is-shaping-utah/]
Spurning Google Fiber, Portland Suburb of Lake Oswego Pushes Toward Broadband Partnership
LAKE OSWEGO, Oregon, October 14, 2015 – This suburb of Portland, a potential candidate for Google Fiber’s Gigabit-speed internet service, has said it isn’t willing to wait around for the search engine giant. At a city council meeting here on Tuesday night, elected officials in this city of 37,000 l
Startup Festival and Startup Culture Taking Root in Modern Provo, Home to BYU and Google Fiber
Editor’s Note: This past week, Drew Clark’s column [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865635687/The-zeitgeist-of-modern-Provo-Jobs-and-a-good-quality-of-life.html] in the Deseret News of Salt Lake City, Utah, was on the “The zeitgeist of modern Provo: Jobs and a good quality of life.” Click here [h
FCC Workshop on eRate Funding Shows New Flexibility for School and Library Fiber Builds
June 18, 2015 – Recent changes to the eligibility rules for the Federal Communication Commission’s eRate program open the door for new fiber connections for schools and libraries using agency funds. Among the rule changes were the suspension of the requirement that applicants seek funding for large
Consider the Broadband Breakfast Club in Salt Lake City, Discussing ‘GigUtah’: How Fiber Networks Are Transforming Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, April 28, 2015 – The Utah Breakfast Club and Broadband Breakfast Club released the video of the organizations’ most recent event, “GigUtah: How Fiber Networks Are Transforming Salt Lake City, Provo and Utah.” Panelists from the event included: * Devin Baer, Head of Fiber Business,
Financing Public-Private Fiber Networks Becoming a Reality, Say Experts at Broadband Communities Summit
Panel on Municipal Debt Financing and Public-Private Partnerships [https://broadbandbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CCfd49JUAAAlT1O.jpg] Editor’s Note: This is one of several wrap-up articles about the 2015 Broadband Communities Summit earlier this month in Austin, Texas. For the complete
Broadband Breakfast to Sponsor ‘GigUtah’ Luncheon Event on Friday, April 24: Register for Free
[https://broadbandbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/6873d9e1-4f68-4004-bae9-dfa70b6c0ec9.jpg]http://www.scoop.it/t/broadbandpolicy/p/4041924133/2015/04/21/broadband-breakfast-to-sponsor-gigutah-luncheon-event-on-friday-april-24-register-for-free SALT LAKE, April 21, 2015 – Utah’s Gigabit Net
Important But Overlooked NTIA Report Highlights Best-Practices for Public-Private Partnerships on Gigabit Networks
April 13, 2015 – Attention on the significance of community-based Gigabit Networks rose dramatically when President Obama included an announcement about the importance of community broadband networks in his State of the Union address in January, and in remarks in Cedar Falls, Iowa, one week before t
Drew Clark: ‘Killer Apps’ for the Gigabit Economy: Why They Are Necessary to Sell the Benefits of Advanced Broadband Networks
February 10, 2015 – With all the talk — and now the action — behind building Gigabit Networks by hundreds of cities across the United States, a key question emerges: What can actually be done with all the speed? Understanding the technologies that take advantage of Gigabit Networks is a key componen
FCC to Put Its Legal Weight Behind Preemption of State Laws That Limit Community Gigabit Networks
February 3, 2015 – The Federal Communications Commission will put its legal weight behind a petition that would preempt laws in North Carolina and Tennessee that restrict the ability of community broadband networks to expand operations. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will urge his fellow commissioners —
Drew Clark: ‘Provo Accelerated’ Kicks Off as Mayor and Citizens Ask What Google Fiber Can Do for City
PROVO, Utah, October 30, 2014 – The conversation was all about Google Fiber, but it was the city mayor, officers and citizens who took center stage at the Provo Recreation Center here on Tuesday night. At the public kick-off of “Provo Accelerated,” a civic effort to tap into the power of Gigabit Ne
Attendees at Connect Michigan Conference Want Rural High-Speed Broadband
WASHINGTON, October 29, 2014 – Small business owners, teachers, librarians and representatives broadband industry official gathered at the 2014 Michigan Broadband Conference in the city of Lansing on Wednesday to discuss affordable and innovative ways to enhance Michiganians’ internet access. The co
Drew Clark: Cities Crave Gigabit Networks, and Meet on Monday in California to Launch ‘Next Century Cities’
October 17, 2014 – Fiber-optic communication is increasingly being recognized as a new necessity of urban life, with momentum for cities to obtain Gigabit Networks enabled by fiber is growing every week. On Monday, October 20, a new group of cities — called Next Century Cities — launches a “city-to-
At Schools and Libraries Broadband Conference, Educators Lament Lack of Internet Funding
WASHINGTON, October 10, 2014 –High-capacity internet and networked services are the future of education because they will provide instructors and students with the necessary connectivity and capacity for 21st century educational technologies, said the Indiana state director of Education Networks of
Broadband Roundup: A Spectrum Efficiency Challenge, Comcast Comments, Verizon Vexes Industry
WASHINGTON, October 7, 2014 – Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and wireless industry pioneer Marty Cooper took to the opinion page of the San Jose Mercury News to offer their thoughts on the future of wireless spectrum. As they emphasized the importance and centrality of mobil
Wheeler Addresses Both Wired and Wireless Infrastructure to Enhance Broadband Buildout and FirstNet
October 2, 2014 – On Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler addressed the importance of local choice and competition regarding broadband access during remarks at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference in Minnesota. Wheeler di
FCC Chairman Wheeler Continues Push for E-Rate Modernization, Targets ‘Rural Fiber Gap’
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2014 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said that the agency was committed to modernizing the E-rate program. He made the statement in remarks at the 2014 Educational Technology Summit here in Washington. Schools and libraries participating in the FCC’
Connecticut Gigabit Venture Seeks to Build Open Access Broadband Network With Municipal Tools
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., September 23, 2014 – Connecticut officials planning a Gigabit Network in their state aim to take advantage of three core state broadband assets: An extensive state fiber network, streamlined processes governing rights-of-way, and a single administrative point of contact for infra
Broadband Roundup: FTC a Loser Under Title II, Rural Gigabit Projects, and Wireless Sponsored Data
WASHINGTON, September 23, 2014 – In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission noted that some of its regulatory authority would be lost if the FCC decided to regulate broadband as a public utility. The FTC protects the privacy and security of consumer data by
Three Women in Communications Policy Highlight Citizen Participation, Activism and Engagement for Broadband
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., September 22, 2014 – Three of the most prominent women in communications policy on Thursday highlighted the vital role of citizen participation, activism and corporate engagement to ensure a collective high-speed broadband future. “The next six to eight months are perhaps going t
Announcement and Support of Government Could Lead to First State-Wide Gigabit Network in Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn., September 16, 2014 – Connecticut state and city leaders on Monday announced a nationally-praised effort to build the first all-state Gigabit Network. The mayors of the state’s second- and fourth-largest cities, New Haven and Stamford, joined with state legislative leaders, the state
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Promotes Google Fiber’s Impact on Competition and Gigabit Networks
WASHINGTON, September 5, 2014 – Google Fiber has been perhaps the primary driver of the current push toward high-speed internet in the United States, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a speech here yesterday on the future of broadband competition. In an otherwise general
NetAmerica Alliance Hails Rural 4G LTE Benefits From Partnership with Sprint
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2014 – An alliance designed to serve the wireless broadband needs of rural America has partnered with Sprint to provide fourth-generation LTE service to members of the NTCA that are calling themselves the Rural Broadband Alliance, according to details unveiled in a webinar on Th
Broadband Roundup: More Than a Million Comments on Net Neutrality, Plus Seattle Goes Again for Gigabit Broadband
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2014 – More than one million comments were received by the Federal Communications Commission on net neutrality before the Friday night deadline, Reuters reported. The second round of comments will give the public until Sept. 10 to respond. AT&T pitched to the FCC its proposal th
New Coalition for Local Internet Choice Aims to Spur More High-Speed Municipal Builds
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2014 – While interest in high-bandwidth internet is growing every year, many communities remain unserved because state laws inhibit local networks, according to local broadband activists. That’s why the Coalition for Local Internet Choice launched last month: to demonstrate the
Broadband Roundup: Dish Network Lobbying, John Thune Criticizes E-Rate, 10 Gigabits Over Copper
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2014 – Satellite TV provider Dish Network is lobbying the Federal Communications Commission to block Comcast’s acquisition of Time Warner Cable, according to National Journal. Charlie Ergen, chairman of Dish, told FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler that “serious competitive concerns” woul
Broadband Roundup: Baltimore Fiber, T-Mobile Throttling, and Cybersecurity Legislation Concerns
WASHINGTON, July 3, 2014 – Leaders of the Baltimore Broadband Campaign are saying that Comcast has a monopoly over fast internet services in the city of Baltimore. Over a course of two years, Comcast customers pay about $1,000 for standard “triple play service, write Philip Spevak, Stan Wilson and A
Internet Protocol Transition a Critical Step To Ensuring Public Safety, Say Senate Hearing Witnesses
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2014 – Even the quickest and best-designed networks can succumb to Mother Nature when a hurricane or tornado strikes a community. And when thousands of people dial 911 at the same time, modern-day networks simply aren’t equipped to handle traffic of such tremendous scale. That w
Cities Need to be Involved in Municipal Broadband Because Their Future Depends Upon Such Networks, Says Panel
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2014 – Four believers in municipal internet access expressed their dismay at the New America Foundation at an increasingly consolidated broadband marketplace – and promoted local government ownership as a remedy. Speaking on a panel of experts on Wednesday at the think tank, they
Broadband Roundup: China’s Tit-for-Tat with America on Cybercrime; FCC Chairman Wheeler Discusses Next-Generation Internet Networks
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2014 – In what appears to be a tit-for-tat on the United States Justice Department’s indictments last week for cybercrime, China has accused the United States of spying on government officials, businesses and mobile phone users, reported the BBC News. “As a superpower, the United
Fiber to the Home Council Webinar on Municipal Broadband Solutions Focuses on Open Access Opportunities
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2014 – In a Wednesday webinar, the Fiber to the Home Council invited broadband planning firm Magellan Advisors to discuss their ways of advising communities seeking to build advance broadband networks. Guest members included Magellan Advisors President John Honkers and Vice Presi
For Utah’s UTOPIA, New Utility Financing Model for Open Gigabit Networks Contrasts with Google Fiber
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, May 5, 2014 – One of the largest global companies involved in the construction of highways, airports, bridges and other capital-intensive infrastructure projects plans to spend more than $300 million to complete a Gigabit Network in Utah. The Australian-based company, Macquar

Mid-Atlantic Broadband Delivers Multi-Terabit Capacity Across Live Network in Southern Virginia
SOUTH BOSTON, Va., April 9, 2014 – Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC), a successful wholesale fiber-optic open-access network transport provider, completed a trial last week delivering multi-terabit capacity on its existing network across southern Virginia. […]
Rural Telecommunications Congress Members and Others Take Spotlight at Broadband Communities Summit
AUSTIN, Texas, April 4, 2014 – Next week, at the Broadband Communities Summit here in Austin, the Rural Telecommunications Congress will take center stage with a series of sessions on “The Bandwidth of the States,” “Financing Future Bandwidth,” “Digital Learning in the Classroom,” “Rural Innovation,
Expert Opinion: On Backhaul, Sprint is Playing Both Sides of the Street
Wall Street and K Street are separated by a mere 225 miles, but for many companies they are worlds apart. In particular, industry observers would do well to compare everything said to policymakers with statements by the same competitors made to Wall Street investors. Defense companies, for example,
Broadband Breakfast Club Webinar on Fiber-Optic Networks in Seattle and in Chicago: What’s the Future for Gigabit Networks?
SEATTLE and CHICAGO, January 9, 2014 – The City of Seattle has parted ways with Gigabit Squared, the private company tasked by the city with building a fiber-optic infrastructure in the city. In Wednesday statement of the web site of City Mayor Ed Murray, the city declared: The City is now at a cros
American Energy
American energy production has increased substantially over the past few years.

Nuclear
As data centers proliferate, Nuclear Energy is potentially ready for a revival.
Crypto
Cryptographic technologies and blockchain ledgers are driving a new era of decentralized finance.

Energy
The rapid rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has placed an unprecedented strain on America’s energy grid.

‘Giganomics’ Looks to Tech Entrepreneurship in Kansas City as New Model for Economic Development
TINLEY PARK, ILLINOIS, November 8, 2013 – There is a new holy grail in economic development, and it isn’t land use, tax policy, or cheap energy costs. In a word, it’s Giganomics. The term was coined by David Sandel, President of the Gigabit Communities and Smart Cities consultancy, at the Broadband
Onlight Aurora, Most Advanced Illinois Gigabit Communities Awardee, Shows How to Leverage Its Fiber Network
AURORA, ILLINOIS, November 5, 2013 – Just over a year ago, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced the first of four awards under the state’s “Gigabit Communities Challenge,” an effort to raise the bar on broadband speeds in the nation’s heartland. Of the four awardees named thus far, the Gigabit Network
Drew Clark to Lead Discussion at Broadband Communities Conference in Chicago on Role of Fiber Networks in Economic Growth
Monday, October 28, 2013 – Drew Clark, Chairman and Publisher of BroadbandBreakfast.com, will lead a panel discussion at the Broadband Communities Conference next week on the role of fiber developments in fostering economic growth. The Economic Development Conference Series will be held in Tinley Pa
Utah Poised to Be First State With Large-Scale Gigabit Networks: Speakers at Utah Broadband Summit
PROVO, Utah, October 28, 2013 – The prospect and reality of Gigabit Networks throughout the country, beginning in Utah, are “creating bigger surface areas for the mind,” the chief technology officer of US IGNITE said here on Thursday. Speaking at the Utah Broadband Summit here in Provo — selected a
Discussion of Broadband Breakfast Club Virtual Event on High-Capacity Applications and Gigabit Connectivity
WASHINGTON, September 24, 2013 – The Broadband Breakfast Club released the first video of its Broadband Breakfast Club Virtual Event, on “How High-Capacity Applications Are Driving Gigabit Connectivity.” The dialogue featured Dr. Glenn Ricart, Chief Technology Officer, US IGNITE; Sheldon Grizzle
Verizon Launches New Top-Tier ‘Quantum Internet’ Service
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2013 — Last Monday, Verizon announced that it would release a new high speed FiOS Quantum Internet service, providing download speeds of 500 megabits-per-second and upload speeds of 100 Mbps. The new speeds are a drastic improvement on most other connections, allowing large file
Broadband Breakfast Club Video on Smart Grid Initiative Plays Up Fiber and Wireless Role for Advanced Energy
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2013 – The status of the development of the national smart grid and its relationship to broadband buildouts was the center of discussion at the June 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club. The concept of smart grid is a marriage of intelligence and communications, said David Wollman, Dep
Register for the June Broadband Breakfast Club Event: ‘Advanced Energy, Smart Grid and Fiber to the Home: Using Advanced Energy to Jumpstart Fiber Builds’
Washington, Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 – BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its June 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event: “Advanced Energy, Smart Grid and Fiber to the Home: Using Advanced Energy to Jumpstart Fiber Builds” on Tuesday, June 18th, 2013 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 707 7th St. NW, Washi
Broadband-Enhanced ‘Smart Grid’ Provides Energy Savings and Enhanced Economic Development
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2013 – High-speed broadband is the key to optimizing energy usage, said Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, at Thursday keynote speak at the annual Better Buildings Summit sponsored by the United States Department of Energy. Richard, the former mayor of Ft. Wayne, Ind
At the Broadband Breakfast Club, We’ll Explore ‘What Can Gigabit Do for Me?’
May 15, 2013 – Gigabit-level connectivity is all the rage. It seems that everyone is asking, What Can Gigabit Do for Me? More and more companies and communities — from established communications companies to new market entrants — have announced plans for deployment that cross that psychological Giga
Gigabit Fever Spreads from the Heartland Across the Nation; Giving Gigabit Credit Where Credit is Due
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2013 – It’s springtime across the country, the flowers are blooming, and Gigabit fever must be in the air. Within the past month, several major companies and communities have announced plans for Gigabit-level deployments within their communities. Several major conferences have fea
Mobile
Mobile communication has become a central part internet connectivity.
Democracy
The internet has the potential to impact, and also to enhance, society's democratization.

Section 230
Section 230 is sometimes called the 26 words that created the internet.
Net Neutrality
Whether broadband providers may prioritize delivery of bits by the entities they own is a divisive topic.
Open Access
Open Access networks separate network operations from internet services. Ownership may also be separate from operations.
Funding
The pandemic has prompted a new era of funding for broadband infrastructure.
Rural
Because Rural America is often the least-connected region in the country, ensuring coverage is central to BEAD.
Wireless
Wireless technologies are critical for mobile communications, and for being able to reach remote locations.
Satellite
Satellite broadband remains an option those areas beyond the reach of fiber, terrestrial or mobile wireless.
Universal Service
The Universal Service Fund, codified in 1996 with the Telecommunications Act, remains the foundation of universal access.
Data Center
Data Centers and Cloud Computing rely upon robust and high-speed upload and download internet speeds.

Tribal
Tribal leaders say the federal government has failed to uphold its trust responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of Native American tribes.
5G
The 5G wireless standard promises breakthrough in capacity, speed and dynamic spectrum-sharing capabilities.

WISP
Wireless Internet Service Providers play an important role in delivery of fixed wireless broadband.
Digital Inclusion
We need humans to make digital inclusion work.

Education
Technology, particularly broadband access and adoption, plays a vital role in K-12 and secondary education.

Health
The innovations of telehealth and mobile health care has transformed medicine and health care.

Public Safety
Ensuring that emergency communications are enabled with broadband is the next frontier in public safety.
Telework
Broadband internet service allows many people to work from almost anywhere.
Cybersecurity
Digital locks and keys are necessary, but not sufficient, to ensure cybersecurity.

Robocall
The scourge of robocalls is making America's once-vaunted telephone network less trustworthy.

BEAD
The BEAD program is implemented by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.

Community Broadband
The last three years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of communities building publicly-owned, locally controlled infrastructure.
Privacy
The entire concept of privacy has been transformed by broadband and the internet.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Accurate broadband mapping and data has been central to America's broadband buildout.

Smart Cities
Cities of the future rely on high-speed internet access and advanced fiber and wireless connectivity.
Advanced Energy
The infrastructure necessary for advanced energy also powers the infrastructure necessary for high-speed internet.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Drones
Drones and airborne transportation are one of many advances to come for smart cities and communities.
Antitrust
Antitrust has been re-invigorated by concern over the power of big technology, media and telecom companies.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform humans' relationship with technology, and each other.
Social Media
Social media plays a powerful force in the lives of most adults and teenagers.

Free Speech
Debates about the role of free speech have been transformed by broadband internet services.

Chips
Semiconductors are the world’s new oil.
Spectrum
Whether licensed, unlicensed or shared, radio frequency spectrum is the critical resource for wireless communication.
Broadband News from Around the World: Sicilian Fiber, English Internet Brands and Cape Town Controversy
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2013 – A recent wrap-up of global broadband news included the following items: Islands of Sicily The telecommunications company BT has announced plans to fund a 3.7 million Euro plan to “bring high-speed fibre broadband to the isles of Sicily,” according to digitalspy.com. The
How to Tackle Broadband Adoption by the Nation’s Underserved Populations
WASHINGTON, Thursday, July 26, 2012 – Last week, the fourth year of the Broadband Breakfast Club Series came to an end with a timely panel on “Bringing Broadband Adoption to the Nation’s Underserved Population.” Panelists from the private, nonprofit and state government sectors came together to dis
Update from the FCC’s July Open Commission Meeting
WASHINGTON, Thursday July 19, 2012. As part of its July Open Commission meeting, the Federal Communications Commission gave an update of its Measuring Broadband America report. This follow-up was the result of further collection of data from the over 7,000 measurement devices given to volunteers a
Igniting US Broadband Through Obama Administration Executive Order
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 — Last Thursday President Obama announced the launch of a new initiative, “US Ignite” and signed an Executive Order reducing the cost and barriers to broadband build out and construction along federal roadways and properties. The Order aims to make construction 90 percent
White Spaces, Special Access and mHealth: Last Week’s Policy Wrap Up
WASHINGTON Tuesday June 12, 2012 – Last week the Federal Communications Commission moved forward with white spaces reform free of challenges from the microphone industry, they took on special access reform and held a meeting of experts to address the future of wireless mHealth innovation. Broadband
FCC Says ‘Measuring Broadband America’ Report’s Success is Improving Broadband Access
WASHINGTON December 14, 2011 – Last week Joel Gurin, Chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the FCC, recapped the success of the “Measuring Broadband America” report in an FCC blog post.
Gurin’s post begins with him touting the FCC’s recent successes, including its push to fight
Broadband Breakfast Serves a Thanksgiving Leftover Wrap-Up
WASHINGTON, November 25 2011 – As we all sit and digest post Thanksgiving, Broadband Breakfast can finally wrap up some stories that we have been interested in over the past couple of weeks but have not had time to get around to. We wanted to draw attention to a couple of the stories below and […]
Driving Energy Smart Grid Innovation through Broadband
WASHINGTON, Wednesday November 15, 2011 – November’s breakfast and panel discussion drew a packed crowd Tuesday morning as industry lawyers, lobbyists and experts filed into Clyde’s to hear from the Whitehouse, telecoms, energy management companies and utilities about the challenges and efficiencies
Forbes Mercy Including Fixed Wireless in the USF Discussion
WASHINGTON, DC October 24, 2011 – Forbes Mercy, President of Washington Broadband Inc and WISPA VP/ Legislative Chair shared some thoughts and comments with BroadbandBreakfast.com after our panel on “Bringing Broadband Infrastructure to Rural Areas: Where is the Progress?” You can watch the video of
Broadband Infrastructure to Rural Areas is on the Move at the Broadband Breakfast Club
WASHINGTON, October 21, 2011 – Rural broadband providers, national union members, federal agency officials and state broadband administrators squared off on Tuesday at the Broadband Breakfast Club’s keynote and panel presentations on “Bringing Broadband Infrastructure to Rural Areas: Where is the Pr
BroadbandBreakfast.com Hosts Broadband Breakfast Club Event “Bringing Broadband Infrastructure to Rural Areas: Where is the Progress?” Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, Thursday, October 13th, 2011 – The internet and intellectual property policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its October 2011 Broadband Breakfast Club event:
“Bringing Broadband Infrastructure to Rural Areas: Where is the Progress?” on Tuesday, October 18th 2011 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 707 7th St.
Georgetown, Columbia Programs Gather Experts To Discuss National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON March 21, 2011 – The Columbia Institute for Tele-Information and Georgetown University’s Communication Culture and Technology Program gathered government officials and industry experts Friday to debate the federal government’s implementation of the National Broadband Plan.
Internet2 Upgrades Speed to 8.8 Terabits per second
WASHINGTON March 10, 2011 – Internet2, the nationwide ultra high-speed education network, announced that it will increase the network’s speed by a factor of nearly 900. The network’s existing speed is already approximately 1,000 times as fast as a the fastest widely-available high-speed residential
U.K. Government Raids BBC Money to Finance Rural Super-Fast Broadband
LONDON, October 25, 2010 – The U.K. government has decided to tap into the BBC’s income to help pay the estimated $1.35 billion cost of deploying super fast broadband to some rural parts of the country over the next seven years.
Research Shows Broadband Adoption Related to Clear Need for Its Use
WASHINGTON, October 6, 2010 – The final day of the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference looked at broadband adoption and universality. The problems addressed are key in helping the government determine how broadband is being adopted and where intervention is necessary.
House Passes Bill Addressing Scarcity of Rare Earth Minerals – a Key Component in Many Electronic Devices
WASHINGTON, September 30, 2010 – The House on Wednesday approved H.R. 6160, the Rare Earths and Critical Materials Revitalization Act by a vote of 325 to 98. The bill authorizes research to address the supply scarcity of rare earth minerals, a category of materials key to a wide range of application
Vilsack Announces $518 Million in Broadband Grants
WASHINGTON, September 13, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced 43 new broadband grants across 27 states. Overall, these grants will receive $518 million in government funding and $34.1 million in private investment.
Broadband Key Component of Australian Election
WASHINGTON, September 9, 2010 – The national broadband network was a key issue in the recent Australian election, with the Parliament evenly split. The Labor and Liberal parties each had 72 seats with two independents.
FCC: Consumers Continue to Receive Slow Internet Connections
WASHINGTON, September 3, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission has updated its latest report on Internet access service subscribership, revealing that only 44 percent of fixed communications connections to households met or exceeded the agency’s target speed for universal access.
Qatar Telecom Begins Fiber-to-the-Home Roll Out
WASHINGTON, August 31, 2010 – Qatar Telecom announced that it has begun its fiber-to-the-home network.
UAE Expects to Offer All Fiber Network by 2011
WASHINGTON, August 27, 2010 – The United Arab Emirites plans to have a fully fiber network by the end of 2011. The Pyramid Research group is reporting that this new network is expected to provide the nation with a growth of $1.01 billion by 2015.
New Mexico to Receive $74.4 Million in Broadband Grants
WASHINGTON, August 16, 2010- New Mexico entities received a $10.6 million broadband stimulus grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and support for a $63.8 million project from the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture. The NTIA grant will be g
Verizon Successfully Tests Gigabit Network
WASHINGTON August 16, 2010- Verizon has completed its filed trials of their GPON network which will provide users 2.4 Gbps downstream and 1.2 Gbps upstream.
Lebanon to Create Nationwide Fiber Network
WASHINGTON August 6, 2010- Lebanon’s Telecom Minister has announced plans to install a new nationwide fiber network.
Vilsack Announces Funding of 126 Broadband Projects
WASHINGTON August 4, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the funding of 126 new broadband projects with a funding total of $1.2 billion. The projects will span 38 states and a number of Native American tribal areas.
Australians Refuse to Give NBN Permission to Dig Trenches
WASHINGTON August 2, 2010- This month the Australian government began to implement its National Broadband Network but they have faced some minor opposition. In the state of Tasmania nearly half of the residents and businesses have yet to give permission to the government to install fiber connections
Ericsson and Radius Infratel to Setup India’s Largest FTTH Network
WASHINGTON July 27, 2010- Ericsson will work with Radius Infratel to setup the nation’s largest FTTH network. The network will bring service to 600,000 households with speeds of 100Mpbs down.
Australian Telstra Upgrades One-Fifth of Broadband Customers
WASHINGTON, July 16, 2010 – One-fifth of Telstra customers in a previous broadband desolate area have upgraded their home networks from copper broadband connections. Telstra had an area that included 1,500 households in its trial fiber-to-the-home project. Around 300 households signed up for fiber
Google Updates Fiber Project and Launches FiberCommunities.com
WASHINGTON July 15, 2010- In an update to their fiber project Google has created a new website: www.fibercommunities.com [www.fibercommunities.com], which includes more detailed information on the status of the project. According to Google, the company has received “1,100 community responses and mor
North Carolina Rejects Moratorium on Municipal Broadband
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2010- On July 11 the North Carolina House of Representatives put an end to a bill that would ban communities from installing their own broadband infrastructure. In the last year, several towns and cities built their own Fiber to the Home networks. The networks in North Carolina
Cruizo Works With Three California Counties to Build Fiber Network
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2010 – Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties want $43 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration fund for high-speed internet.
U.K. Residents Support Priority Superfast Broadband Rollout to Rural Areas
LONDON, July 13, 2010 – The United Kingdom government is under pressure to increase funding for deployment of superfast broadband in rural areas following several public surveys confirming widespread support for positive discrimination in favor of the country’s remote communities. The “outside-in” a
Obama Announces $795 Million in Broadband Grants
WASHINGTON July 2, 2010- Later today President Obama will announce the awarding of 66 grants for middle mile and public computing centers. The grants will total over $795 million with the award winners providing $200 million in outside investment. The awardees span 36 states and the District of Colu
NoChokePoints Coalition Slams AT&T for Rate Hikes
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2010 – AT&T’s special access lines are set for price hikes, and the NoChokePoints Coalition says FCC regulation of this “is essential to the health of our information economy.” AT&T had a different opinion.
Verizon Field Tests 10Gbps Fiber Network
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2010 —Verizon currently maintains one of the few commercial fiber-to-the-home networks in America that achieves a top speed of 25mbps up and 25mbps down; however with increased competition by cable providers who have upgraded to DOCSIS3 which can achieve speeds of 50mbps down an
Brazil to Fund Creation of National Fiber Optic Network
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2010 – Brazil has started to enact changes to fulfill its long term broadband goals. The nation announced the plan early last month with a goal of bringing down the cost of broadband from $50USD to $25-35USD. Brazil’s Planning Minister Paulo Bernardo said, “Prices for broadband
U.K. Compels Utilities to Open Up to ISPs for Fiber Deployment
LONDON, June 17, 2010 – The recently elected U.K. government plans to extent the scope of fiber unbundling by compelling gas, electricity and water utilities as well as the incumbent operator BT to open up their ducts to ISPs for fiber-to-the-home deployment.
West Virginia to Build State Wide Fiber Network
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2010 – In March, West Virginia was awarded $126 million from the Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program. The federal money was granted to create a statewide high-speed broadband network of 45mbps down, for all public schools, libraries, health-care facilities and fire and
Broadband Issues Echo Electrification Debate of Decades Ago
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2010 – Today’s broadband expansion throughout the United States faces similar challenges to wiring the nation with electricity decades ago, and the nation’s businesses, consumers and government must work together to tap into the resources that high-speed internet access offers,
Secretary Vilsack Touts Efforts Made by RUS
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2010 –The US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has just released a report that outlines the first round of Broadband Initiatives Program grants from the stimulus package last year. During a conference call with the press USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack stated
New Zealand to Blanket the Nation in 100Mbps Connections by 2020
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2010 –The New Zealand government has joined much of the rest of the world’s governments and has decided to directly fund the expansion of broadband. The government has setup an ISP Crown Fibre Holdings, back in October 2009 which is being tasked with providing the nation 100Mbps
Ofcom to Unbundle British Telecom’s Fiber Network
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010-The European Commission has approved U.K. regulator Ofcom’s proposals to require virtual unbundling of British Telecom’s fiber network. However, it requests that the full unbundling happen as soon as possible.
Chattanooga to Get 150 Mbps Fiber Network
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2010 – Chattanooga, Tennessee will now have the fastest home broadband speeds in the nation through a municipal fiber optic network. The network is maintained through a subsidiary, EPB Fiber Optics, of the city’s municipal electric provider EPB. The network boasts speeds of up to
Broadband Will Be New Tool in Diplomacy Arsenel, Clinton Aide Says
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2009 – Increasing broadband penetration will allow the U.S. to increase engagement abroad and will be an essential element of the Obama administration’s diplomatic strategy, said Alec Ross, a senior adviser to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
New York City and State Each Craft Broadband Policies; City Nixes Muni Wi-Fi
August 7 – New York City should not create a comprehensive municipal wireless network, but should instead take targeted actions to increase the public availability of high-speed internet service and encourage broadband adoption, city officials said last week.