<div dir="ltr"><div style="font-size:12.8px"><i style="font-size:13px">Recent Stories from MuniNetworks.org - a project of the </i><i style="font-size:13px">Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Instructions for unsubscribing appear at bottom.  Send feedback.  Forward Widely.</i></div><div><i style="font-size:13px"><br></i></div>
<div><br></div><div><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/reports/rs-fiber-fertile-fields-new-rural-internet-cooperative" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">RS Fiber: Fertile Fields for New Rural Internet Cooperative</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-size:0.8em;font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;line-height:18.004px"></div><div class="" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="margin-bottom:1em"><div class=""><div class=""><div class="" style="font-weight:bold;display:inline">Publication Date: </div> <span class="">April 18, 2016</span></div></div></div><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/reports/rs-fiber-fertile-fields-new-rural-internet-cooperative" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/rs-fiber-report-2016-cover-small.jpg" alt="" title="" width="96" height="125" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px">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. </p><p style="margin:1em 0px">Communities in and around Minnesota’s rural Sibley County are going from worst to best after building a wireless and <a class="" href="http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term10" style="text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-bottom-color:rgb(0,136,0);color:rgb(121,80,37)"><cite title="A system that uses glass (or plastic) to carry light which is used to transmit information.  Typically, each side of the fiber is attached to a laser that send the light signals.  When the connection reaches capacity, the lasers may be upgraded to send much more information along the same strand of fiber.  This technology has been used for decades and will remain the dominant method of transmitting information for the foreseeable future.">fiber-optic</cite></a> cooperative. While federal programs throw billions of dollars to deliver last year’s Internet speeds, local programs are building the network of the future. </p><p style="margin:1em 0px">In “<a href="https://ilsr.org/report-mn-rural-fiber/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><strong><em>RS Fiber</em></strong><strong><em>: Fertile Fields for New Rural Internet Cooperative</em></strong></a>,” 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. </p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="https://ilsr.org/report-mn-rural-fiber/">... Read our NEW Report! Amazing New Model for Rural Internet Access Expansion! ...</a></p></div></div><div><br></div><div><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/next-generation-engagement-awards-using-internet-civic-involvement" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">Next Generation Engagement Awards: Using the Internet for Civic Involvement</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-size:14px;font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Wed, April 13, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/lgonzalez" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">lgonzalez</a></span></div><div class="" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/next-generation-engagement-awards-using-internet-civic-involvement" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/logo-next-century-cities.jpg" alt="" title="" width="125" height="47" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px">In addition to economic development, public savings, and a higher quality of life, better connectivity can promote more participation in the democratic process.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px">Next Century Cities, <a href="http://www.democracyfund.org/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">The Democracy Fund</a>, and the <a href="https://www.benton.org/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Benton Foundation</a> want to promote innovation surrounding ways high-speed Internet fosters participatory democracy and civic engagement. These groups invite communities to apply for a <strong><a href="http://nextcenturycities.org/next-generation-engagement-awards/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Next Generation Engagement Award</a></strong>.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ecjbh4g33aaf6805&llr=jmp6xjrab">LEARN MORE - Webinar on Wednesday, April 4/20 !!</a><br><br></p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><strong>Winning communities will receive:</strong></p><ul style="margin:1em 0px;padding-left:2em"><li style="margin:0px 0px 1em 20px;padding:0px;list-style:disc">Up to $30,000 for new or existing projects that help citizens become more engaged in the democratic process</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 1em 20px;padding:0px;list-style:disc">Technical assistance to implement their plans</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 1em 20px;padding:0px;list-style:disc">Connections with other like-minded municipalities</li><li style="margin:0px 0px 1em 20px;padding:0px;list-style:disc">At least three communities will be selected for special inaugural Awards</li></ul><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/next-generation-engagement-awards-using-internet-civic-involvement">... Get More Information Here ...</a><br><br></p><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/legal-eagles-ammon-ftth-can-fly-planned" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">Legal Eagles: Ammon FTTH Can Fly As Planned</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Thu, April 14, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/lgonzalez" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">lgonzalez</a></span></div><div class="" style="line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/legal-eagles-ammon-ftth-can-fly-planned" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/logo-ammon-id.gif" alt="" title="" width="125" height="41" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px">Ammon now has judicial confirmation to move ahead on their Fiber-to-the-Home (<a class="" href="http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term13" style="text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-bottom-color:rgb(0,136,0);color:rgb(121,80,37)"><cite title="Fiber-to-the-home.  As most telecommunications networks use fiber in some part of it, FTTH is used to specify those that use fiber to connect the subscriber.  Some claim they have a fiber-optic network because they use fiber to the node even when they use phone lines or a cable network over the last mile.  FTTH may be more expensive to install currently, but offers significant savings in terms of maintenance when compared to copper alternatives.">FTTH</cite></a>) project.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px">As we reported earlier this year, <a href="http://b.ci.ammon.id.us/fiber-optic/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Ammon's Fiber Optic Department</a>, led by IT Director Bruce Patterson, is on the verge of commencing the next phase of its incremental network deployment. Bruce explained to Chris in <a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/muni-fiber-idaho-helps-911-dispatch-and-first-responders-community-broadband-bits-episode-17" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Episode #173</a> of the Community Broadband Bits podcast, how the city will create a utility and residents who choose to participate will pay to have the network connected to their homes. The first area where FTTH will be deployed includes approximately 300 properties.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/legal-eagles-ammon-ftth-can-fly-planned">... Read What the Judge Determined Here ...</a></p></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/bt-advisory-board-and-community-agree-local-best" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">BT Advisory Board and Community Agree: Local Is Best</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-size:14px;font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Tue, April 12, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/lgonzalez" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">lgonzalez</a></span></div><div class="" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/bt-advisory-board-and-community-agree-local-best" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/logo-bt-2014.png" alt="" title="" width="125" height="48" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px">As Burlington, Vermont, searches for a buyer for Burlington Telecom, the local residents and business owners continue to remain engaged in the future of their beloved Fiber-to-the-Home (<a class="" href="http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term13" style="text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-bottom-color:rgb(0,136,0);color:rgb(121,80,37)"><cite title="Fiber-to-the-home.  As most telecommunications networks use fiber in some part of it, FTTH is used to specify those that use fiber to connect the subscriber.  Some claim they have a fiber-optic network because they use fiber to the node even when they use phone lines or a cable network over the last mile.  FTTH may be more expensive to install currently, but offers significant savings in terms of maintenance when compared to copper alternatives.">FTTH</cite></a>) network. Most recently, they made it clear that their first priority is finding a local company to own and operate the fiber network.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px">VT Digger reported that, according to a survey conducted by the BT Board of Advisors:</p><blockquote style="margin:1em 2em;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-size:0.9em;line-height:1.5em;font-style:italic"><p style="margin:1em 0px">Several residents have said they would like to see Burlington Telecom sold to a locally owned co-operative and that their greatest concern is the utility being sold to one of its larger competitors such as Comcast, AT&T or FairPoint.</p></blockquote><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/bt-advisory-board-and-community-agree-local-best"><font color="#19527a">.</font>.. More on the Efforts to Ensure BT Serves the Community Long into the Future ...</a><br><br></p><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/three-communities-make-big-moves-toward-municipal-fiber-networks" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">Three Communities Make Big Moves Toward Municipal Fiber Networks</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Fri, April 15, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/ternste" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">ternste</a></span></div><div class="" style="line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/three-communities-make-big-moves-toward-municipal-fiber-networks" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/logo-indianola-utility.gif" alt="" title="" width="125" height="77" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://bbpmag.com/wordpress2/2016/03/indianola-municipal-utilities-selects-magellan-for-fttp-feasibility-study/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">A March article in Broadband Properties Magazine</a> spotlights three communities around the country that are making progress toward creating municipal fiber networks. The City of Centennial, Colorado announced that they have completed a feasibility study and a Master Plan detailing the city’s plans to develop a network. Additionally, the Cities of Indianola, Iowa and Rancho Cucamonga, California announced that they have begun studying the feasibility of starting their own municipal fiber networks. </p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><strong>Indianola, Iowa</strong></p><p style="margin:1em 0px">Indianola, Iowa is a city of about 15,000 just 20 miles south of Des Moines. <a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/indianolas-fiber-optic-network-soon-serve-residents" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">As we wrote a few years ago</a>, Indianola currently owns an <a href="http://www.i-m-u.com/network-services/system-information.aspx" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">open access Fiber-to-the Premise</a> (FTTP) network which provides Gigabit speed Internet access, plus TV, and phone service to most businesses and select residents in Indianola. The study they recently commissioned will explore the feasibility of using this existing network for constructing a FTTP network to the entire community. </p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/three-communities-make-big-moves-toward-municipal-fiber-networks">... More Details on All of these Communities Here ...</a><br><br></p><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/alaska-co-op-upgrading-fiber" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">Alaska Co-op Upgrading to Fiber</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Sat, April 16, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/lgonzalez" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">lgonzalez</a></span></div><div class="" style="line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/alaska-co-op-upgrading-fiber" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/logo-cvtc.png" alt="" title="" width="125" height="38" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px">It isn't very often we have the chance to share stories from the "Last Frontier," but a cooperative in the Valdez area is making news with a planned upgrade to fiber this summer.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><strong>DSL</strong><strong> to Fiber</strong></p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://www.valdezstar.net/story/2016/04/06/main-news/fiber-optic-coming-to-a-home-near-you-for-better-speed/1187.html" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">According to the </a>Valdez Star, <a href="http://www.cvinternet.net/index.php" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Copper Valley Telecom</a> (CVT) subscribers will be enjoying a switch from old copper DSL Internet access to Fiber-to-the-Home (<a class="" href="http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term13" style="text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-bottom-color:rgb(0,136,0);color:rgb(121,80,37)"><cite title="Fiber-to-the-home.  As most telecommunications networks use fiber in some part of it, FTTH is used to specify those that use fiber to connect the subscriber.  Some claim they have a fiber-optic network because they use fiber to the node even when they use phone lines or a cable network over the last mile.  FTTH may be more expensive to install currently, but offers significant savings in terms of maintenance when compared to copper alternatives.">FTTH</cite></a>) when CVT upgrades its system. The new technology will also improve telephone service.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/alaska-co-op-upgrading-fiber">... More Details on Yet Another Co-op Stepping up ...</a></p></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/connecticut-focuses-local-leadership" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">Connecticut Focuses on Local Leadership</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-size:14px;font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Mon, April 11, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/hannah" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">hannah</a></span></div><div class="" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/connecticut-focuses-local-leadership" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/seal-connecticut.jpg" alt="" title="" width="97" height="125" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px">At the end of March, city leaders across the state of Connecticut converged on a conference to discuss the deficiencies of Internet access and ways to move forward such as a regional network, municipal networks, and public private partnerships. Over the past year, the communities of New Haven, Hartford, and Manchester, have explored several of these possibilities. What pathway they choose depends in part on the outcome of the conference.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><strong>The Conference: A Long Time Coming</strong></p><p style="margin:1em 0px">The conference <a href="https://www.cedas.org/Events/eventView.asp?EventID=303" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">High-Speed Broadband Infrastructure: A Toolbox for Municipalities</a> took place the state capital Hartford, Connecticut, on March 23, 2016. The presenters, featuring the mayors of New Haven and Hartford, addressed the diverse needs of Connecticut’s communities.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/connecticut-focuses-local-leadership">... Read the Full Story Here ...</a><br><br></p></div></div><div><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/changeorg-petition-ca-lawmakers-vote-greater-local-authority-dont-abandon-copper-yet" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">Change.org Petition: CA Lawmakers, Vote for Greater Local Authority, Don't Abandon Copper Yet</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-size:14px;font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Sun, April 17, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/ternste" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">ternste</a></span></div><div class="" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/changeorg-petition-ca-lawmakers-vote-greater-local-authority-dont-abandon-copper-yet" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/seal-california.jpg" alt="" title="" width="125" height="125" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px">The California State Assembly will soon vote on three bills that have significant implications for rural Internet access initiatives in the Golden State. An <a href="https://www.change.org/p/california-state-assembly-committee-on-utilities-and-commerce-save-state-funding-for-rural-internet-in-ca-and-stop-at-t-from-a-100-million-tax-grab?recruiter=524225624&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">online Change.org petition</a> is asking you to urge lawmakers to give local communities the authority to determine their own Internet access needs.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px">On April 20th, 2016, the State Assembly will vote on a bill to provide state funding for community-based efforts aimed at improving broadband access in rural areas. And during the current session this week, California Represenatives will vote on two additional bills, drafted by lobbying groups working for the telecom industry, which seek to give incumbent providers even greater power to control the quality and price of Internet access options that are available in these rural communities.</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/changeorg-petition-ca-lawmakers-vote-greater-local-authority-dont-abandon-copper-yet">... There are Many Problems With Allowing AT&T to Cut Households Off ...</a><br><br></p></div></div><div><h2 class="" style="line-height:1.3em;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;font-family:Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/community-broadband-media-roundup-april-19" style="color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none">Community Broadband Media Roundup - April 19</a></h2><div class="" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);font-size:14px;font-style:italic;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;line-height:18.004px"><span class="" style="font-size:0.9em">Tue, April 19, 2016 | Posted by <a href="http://muninetworks.org/users/nick" title="View user profile." style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Nick</a></span></div><div class="" style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana,Tahoma,'DejaVu Sans',sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:18.004px"><div class="" style="float:left;margin:0px 10px 1em 0px"><div class=""><div class=""><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/community-broadband-media-roundup-april-19" class="" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none"><img src="http://muninetworks.org/sites/www.muninetworks.org/files/imagecache/teaser/media-roundup-community-bb_11.png" alt="" title="" width="125" height="125" class="" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></div></div><p style="margin:1em 0px"><strong>California</strong></p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://www.techwire.net/commentary/how-we-can-close-californias-digital-divide.html" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">How we can close California's digital divide</a> by Kish Rajan, TechWire</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://www.techwire.net/news/santa-cruz-public-high-speed-internet-project-earns-early-jump-start.html" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Santa Cruz public high-speed Internet project earns early jump-start</a> by Jessica A. York, Santa Cruz Sentinel</p><blockquote style="margin:1em 2em;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-size:0.9em;line-height:1.5em;font-style:italic"><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://cruzio.com/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Cruzio</a> and Santa Cruz economic development officials <a href="http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20150625/NEWS/150629816" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">are in the midst of talks</a> to build a gigabit <a class="" href="http://muninetworks.org/glossary/1#term10" style="text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-bottom-color:rgb(0,136,0);color:rgb(121,80,37)"><cite title="A system that uses glass (or plastic) to carry light which is used to transmit information.  Typically, each side of the fiber is attached to a laser that send the light signals.  When the connection reaches capacity, the lasers may be upgraded to send much more information along the same strand of fiber.  This technology has been used for decades and will remain the dominant method of transmitting information for the foreseeable future.">fiber-optic</cite></a> communications network, infrastructure designed to connect some 22,000 city properties. The citywide <a href="http://cruzio.com/santa-cruz-fiber/" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Santa Cruz Fiber</a> project, requiring as much as a $52 million, 30-year city revenue bond to fund, is still years in the making. The proposal’s premise is that Cruzio would pay the city a set fee for every household and customer who opts in for gigabit service, paying off the city bond. If at the end of the term, Cruzio was unable to pay the full bond amount based on new customer accounts, the company would guarantee coverage of at least 80 percent of the bond. Under the proposed plan, subscribers would pay an estimated $60 to $75 a month for the service, though more subscribers would mean lower overall monthly bills, officials said.</p></blockquote><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://www.govtech.com/dc/articles/Santa-Cruz-Calif-Deploys-Fiber-Like-Wireless-Gigabit-Internet-Through-Public-Private-Partnership.html" style="color:rgb(121,80,37);text-decoration:none">Santa Cruz, Calif., deploys fiber-like wireless gigabit Internet through public-private partnership</a> by Julia McCandless, GovTech</p><p style="margin:1em 0px"><a href="http://muninetworks.org/content/community-broadband-media-roundup-april-19">... Read the Full Community Network Media Roundup Here ...</a></p></div></div></div>

<p></p>

-- <br />
You can always find our most recent stories and other resources at <a href="http://MuniNetworks.org">http://MuniNetworks.org</a><br />
--- <br />
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Community Networks Weekly Updates" group.<br />
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to <a href="mailto:communitynetworks-weekly+unsubscribe@ilsr.org">communitynetworks-weekly+unsubscribe@ilsr.org</a>.<br />
For more options, visit <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/ilsr.org/d/optout">https://groups.google.com/a/ilsr.org/d/optout</a>.<br />