[Davisgig] Recently in Community Networks... Week of 4/27

Wed Apr 27 08:03:10 PDT 2016

*Recent Stories from MuniNetworks.org - a project of the **Institute for
Local Self-Reliance. Instructions for unsubscribing appear at bottom.  Send
feedback.  Forward Widely.*

*Last week was huge for rural models!  See all the stories on better
Internet access for rural regions below.*

RS Fiber: Fertile Fields for New Rural Internet Cooperative
<http://muninetworks.org/reports/rs-fiber-fertile-fields-new-rural-internet-cooperative>
Publication Date:
 April 18, 2016
<http://muninetworks.org/reports/rs-fiber-fertile-fields-new-rural-internet-cooperative>

A new trend is emerging in rural communities throughout the United States:
Fiber-to-the-Farm. Tired of waiting for high-quality Internet access from
big companies, farmers are building it themselves.

Communities in and around Minnesota’s rural Sibley County are going from
worst to best after building a wireless and fiber-optic
<http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term10> cooperative. While federal
programs throw billions of dollars to deliver last year’s Internet speeds,
local programs are building the network of the future.

In “*RS Fiber**: Fertile Fields for New Rural Internet Cooperative*
<https://ilsr.org/report-mn-rural-fiber/>,” the Institute for Local
Self-Reliance (ILSR) and Next Century Cities documents a groundbreaking new
model that’s sprung up in South Central Minnesota that can be replicated
all over the nation, in the thousands of cities and counties that have been
refused service by big cable and telecom corporations.

... Read the Report or Fact Sheet Here ...
<https://ilsr.org/report-mn-rural-fiber/>

A New Cooperative Model for Fiber to the Farm - Community Broadband Bits
Podcast Episode 198
<http://muninetworks.org/content/new-cooperative-model-fiber-farm-community-broadband-bits-podcast-episode-198>
Tue, April 19, 2016 | Posted by christopher
<http://muninetworks.org/users/christopher>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/new-cooperative-model-fiber-farm-community-broadband-bits-podcast-episode-198>

When we launched this podcast in 2012, we kicked it off with an interview
from Minnesota's farm country
<http://muninetworks.org/content/first-community-broadband-bits-podcast-sibley-county-fiber-farm>,
Sibley County. We were excited at their passion for making sure every farm
was connected with high quality Internet access.

After the project took a turn and became a brand new cooperative, we
interviewed them again in 2014 for episode 99
<http://muninetworks.org/content/catching-rs-fiber-coop-minnesota-community-broadband-bits-podcast-99>,
but they hadn't finished financing. They broke ground 2015 and today we
discuss the model and the new Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) case
study <https://ilsr.org/report-mn-rural-fiber/> that details how they built
it.

City of Winthrop Economic Development Authority Director Mark Erickson and
Renville-area farmer Jake Rieke are both on the board of RS Fiber
Cooperative <http://rsfiber.coop/> and they join us to explain how their
model works.

We at ILSR believe this model could work in much of rural America, in any
community that can summon a fraction of the passion of the citizens from
Sibley and Renville counties. Having watched this project for all the years
it was being developed, I cannot express how impressed I am with their
dedication. And because they own it, I'm thrilled to know that no one can
take it away from them.

... Listen to this Show Here
<http://muninetworks.org/content/new-cooperative-model-fiber-farm-community-broadband-bits-podcast-episode-198>
... Read the Transcript Here
<http://muninetworks.org/content/transcript-community-broadband-bits-episode-198>
...

Berkman Center Releases Report on WiredWest Cooperative, MBI
<http://muninetworks.org/content/berkman-center-releases-report-wiredwest-cooperative-mbi>
Wed, April 20, 2016 | Posted by lgonzalez
<http://muninetworks.org/users/lgonzalez>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/berkman-center-releases-report-wiredwest-cooperative-mbi>

In 2010, communities in rural western Massachusetts began a group that
would evolve into the WiredWest Cooperative <http://wiredwest.net/>. Over
the past six years, the group, formed to bring better last-mile
connectivity to the unserved and underserved areas of the state, has faced
a number of challenges. Most recently, disagreements with the Massachusetts
Broadband Institute (MBI), the state agency tasked with distributing funds
for last-mile connectivity, have threatened WiredWest's regional
cooperative model.

In a new report released by the Berkman Center, authors David Talbot, Waide
Warner, and Susan Crawford share the story of these communities' attempt to
band together to establish a fiber-optic
<http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term10>network.

In *WiredWest: a Cooperative of Municipalities Forms to Build A Fiber Optic
Network
<https://cyber.law.harvard.edu/publications/2016/wiredwest_case_study>*, we
learn not only how this region came together, but how they developed their
business plan and procured funding, how they anticipate the network to
affect affordability, and the ways they have adjusted the plan as
circumstances required. The authors also take the time to share some
history of cooperatives, and address how the cooperative model - used in
the past for electricity and telephone - can benefit the communities in
rural western Massachusetts.

... Read the Report, Get More Information Here ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/berkman-center-releases-report-wiredwest-cooperative-mbi>

RS Fiber Ignites - Community Connections Video Podcast
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rs-fiber-ignites-community-connections-video-podcast>
Wed, April 20, 2016 | Posted by rebecca
<http://muninetworks.org/users/rebecca>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rs-fiber-ignites-community-connections-video-podcast>

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Christopher Mitchell sat down with Bill
Wallace of US Ignite <https://www.us-ignite.org/> and Mark Erickson of the city
of Winthrop, Minnesota, <http://www.winthropminnesota.com/> to talk about
the exciting applications communities can develop if they have the
connectivity they need.

This interview is paired with ILSR's report, *RS Fiber: Fertile Fields for
New Rural Internet Cooperative* <https://ilsr.org/report-mn-rural-fiber/>.
The report documents a groundbreaking new model that’s sprung up in South
Central Minnesota that can be replicated all over the nation, in the
thousands of cities and counties that have been refused service by big
cable and telecom corporations.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this video podcast on RS Fiber, to be released
Thursday as part of our ongoing series featuring community and policy
leaders in the field.

... Watch the Video Here ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rs-fiber-ignites-community-connections-video-podcast>

RS Fiber Ignites - Community Connections Video Podcast Part 2 of 2
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rs-fiber-ignites-community-connections-video-podcast-part-2-2>
Thu, April 21, 2016 | Posted by rebecca
<http://muninetworks.org/users/rebecca>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rs-fiber-ignites-community-connections-video-podcast-part-2-2>

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Christopher Mitchell sat down with Bill
Wallace of US Ignite and Mark Erickson of the city of Winthrop, Minnesota.
In part 2 of our ongoing series, Chris, Bill and Mark talk more about the
"nuts and bolts" of building a network. Come back each Wednesday for new
video content!

This interview is paired with ILSR's report, *RS Fiber: Fertile Fields for
New Rural Internet Cooperative* <https://ilsr.org/report-mn-rural-fiber/>.
The report documents a groundbreaking new model that’s sprung up in South
Central Minnesota that can be replicated all over the nation, in the
thousands of cities and counties that have been refused service by big
cable and telecom corporations.

... Watch Part 2 Here ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rs-fiber-ignites-community-connections-video-podcast-part-2-2>

Grass Will Be Greener With FairlawnGig In Ohio
<http://muninetworks.org/content/grass-will-be-greener-fairlawngig-ohio>
Fri, April 22, 2016 | Posted by hannah
<http://muninetworks.org/users/hannah>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/grass-will-be-greener-fairlawngig-ohio>

Fairlawn, Ohio, a quaint little city in Northern Ohio, it is about to get a
big Gig – lightning fast Internet speeds of up to one Gigabit (1000
Megabits) per second (Gbps <http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term14>) –
for $75 a month. The city has considered the prospect of such a network
since last year, and now the community is moving forward.

On April 4th,
<http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160404006704/en/City-Fairlawn-Passes-Ordinances-Authorizing-FairlawnGig-Broadband>Fairlawn
City Council unanimously approved several ordinances
<http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160404006704/en/City-Fairlawn-Passes-Ordinances-Authorizing-FairlawnGig-Broadband>
to
build a Fiber-to-the-Home network (FTTH
<http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term13>) called “FairlawnGig.” For
financing, the network will use revenue bonds in an agreement with the
Development Finance Authority of Summit County.

*A New FTTH Muni*

In November 2015, Fairlawn hired a consultant
<http://muninetworks.org/content/fairlawn-ohio-pursuing-design-plan-muni-broadband-utility-0>
and
envisioned a public-private partnership for the FTTH plan of FairlawnGig.
Now, however, these ordinances ensure that the $10 million network that
will begin construction in May 2016 will in fact be a municipal network.
The ordinances enable the city to enter into a contract with a firm to
design and construct the network in the way that best meets the community’s
needs.

... See the Expected Prices for Next-Gen Connectivity Here ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/grass-will-be-greener-fairlawngig-ohio>

Savings and Connectivity for Allegheny County Pennsylvania Schools
<http://muninetworks.org/content/savings-and-connectivity-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-schools>
Thu, April 21, 2016 | Posted by hannah
<http://muninetworks.org/users/hannah>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/savings-and-connectivity-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-schools>

In Pennsylvania, many of Allegheny County’s schools are about to experience
new and improved high-speed Internet access. This summer, school districts
throughout Allegheny County will get better connectivity and save public
dollars
<http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/02/12/New-regional-network-coordinated-by-Allegheny-Intermediate-Unit/stories/201602040001>with
a new Regional Wide Area Network.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Allegheny Intermediate Unit
struck a deal with a new contractor to deliver better connectivity for
less. The Allegheny Intermediate Unit, a branch of the Pennsylvania
Department of Education, provides services to 42 schools and five career
and technical centers in the county surrounding Pittsburgh.

... Learn More About the Savings Here ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/savings-and-connectivity-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-schools>

Islesboro, Maine: RFP For FTTP Is Out There!
<http://muninetworks.org/content/islesboro-maine-rfp-fttp-out-there>
Wed, April 20, 2016 | Posted by lgonzalez
<http://muninetworks.org/users/lgonzalez>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/islesboro-maine-rfp-fttp-out-there>

Islesboro is moving forward with plans to join Rockport
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rockport-builds-maine%E2%80%99s-first-municipal-network>
, Sanford
<http://muninetworks.org/content/sanford-maine-plans-largest-municipal-network-state>,
and other Maine communities that want to improve connectivity for residents
and businesses. They have released a Request for Proposals (RFP)
<http://townofislesboro.com/fileadmin/Committees/broadband/Town_of_Islesboro_OPM_RFP_and_Appendix_03-28-2016.pdf>
to
take them into the construction phase. From the Isleboro website:

The Town of Islesboro, Maine is seeking a contractor to manage the
construction of a Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) network spanning
approximately 50 miles connecting 750 properties including a wireless
component connecting outlying islands.

The Town is seeking bids for an Owner's Project Manager (OPM) to oversee
fiber optic and wireless construction, network equipment installation, and
inside wiring and customer premise installation.

*Bids are due April 28th, 2016*.

The island town has also published a Question and Answer update
<http://townofislesboro.com/fileadmin/Committees/broadband/OPM_RFP_Questions.pdf>
to
address common concerns.

... Learn More Here ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/islesboro-maine-rfp-fttp-out-there>

2016 Municipal Technology Conference May 5, in Augusta, ME
<http://muninetworks.org/content/2016-municipal-technology-conference-may-5-augusta-me>
Sat, April 23, 2016 | Posted by ternste
<http://muninetworks.org/users/ternste>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/2016-municipal-technology-conference-may-5-augusta-me>

The 2016 Municipal Technology Conference
<http://memun.org/2016TechnologyConference/Agenda.aspx> is coming up
on *Thursday,
May 5th, 2016* at the Augusta Civic Center in the state capital. The
conference is sponsored by the Maine Municipal Association
<https://www.memun.org/> (MMA) and the Maine GIS UserGroup
<http://megug.org/> (MEGUG) in cooperation with Maine’s ConnectME Authority
<http://www.maine.gov/connectme/>.

The conference title - “*Ready. Set. Grow!*” - captures one of the major
themes of the conference, where several panel sessions will focus on the
topic of municipal networks. Several Maine communities, including Rockport
<http://muninetworks.org/content/rockport-builds-maine%E2%80%99s-first-municipal-network>
, Sanford
<http://muninetworks.org/content/sanford-maine-plans-largest-municipal-network-state>
, Orono and Old Town
<http://muninetworks.org/content/orono-and-old-town-receive-funding-fiber-maine>,
and Bar Harbor
<http://muninetworks.org/content/bar-harbor-maine-studies-muni-fiber-replace-time-warner-cable-franchise>,
have made progress in the past couple of years toward creating
locally-grown fiber networks.

... We Enjoyed This Show Last Year ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/2016-municipal-technology-conference-may-5-augusta-me>

Community Broadband Media Roundup - April 25
<http://muninetworks.org/content/community-broadband-media-roundup-april-25-0>
Mon, April 25, 2016 | Posted by Nick <http://muninetworks.org/users/nick>
<http://muninetworks.org/content/community-broadband-media-roundup-april-25-0>

*Iowa*

MediaCom is suing Iowa City to prevent broadband competition
<http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Mediacom-is-Suing-Iowa-City-to-Prevent-Broadband-Competition-136725>
by
Karl Bode, DSL Reports

*Massachusetts*

Holyoke Innovation District looks to take advantage of valley broadband
Internet capacity
<http://www.masslive.com/business-news/index.ssf/2016/04/holyoke_innovation_district_looks_to_tak_1.html?mc_cid=a4debabc2c&mc_eid=2910c7b52b>
by
Jim Kinney, MassLive

Massachusetts government stymies WiredWest municipal broadband initiative,
report says
<http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/massachusetts-government-stymies-wiredwest-municipal-broadband-initiative-r/2016-04-22>
by
Samantha Bookman, FierceTelecom

 ... Read our Full Community Broadband Media Roundup Here ...
<http://muninetworks.org/content/community-broadband-media-roundup-april-25-0>

-- 
You can always find our most recent stories and other resources at http://MuniNetworks.org
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Community Networks Weekly Updates" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to communitynetworks-weekly+unsubscribe at ilsr.org.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/a/ilsr.org/d/optout.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://list.omsoft.com/pipermail/davisgig/attachments/20160427/396ce7de/attachment.html>