When it comes to broadband, I’m a socialist. Why? Because broadband service in the United States is currently provided by a cableco/telco duopoly, and, as such, is slower and more expensive than in most of the developed world, studies show. Because I don't believe the FCC can fix that lack of competition within the current regulatory framework, despite the ambitious goals set forth in its National Broadband Plan. Because a reasonably-priced alternative to cable or telco broadband might be just the thing to bring competition to the industry and spur U.S. broadband cost and quality to world-class levels. Because our connectedness increasingly dictates our our economic standing in the world: Broadband is as important to us as the interstate highway system--a public works project--was to Eisenhower-era America.
Highland Illinois - Deliberating a Network
Highland, Illinois, having overwhelmingly approved a referendum in April, 2009 to own and operate a fiber-to-the-premises system, has continued to examine the potential for a publicly owned fiber-to-the-home network. Most of the local government is supportive but one councilmember is vehemently opposed, leading to a ""boom or bust?" article in the local paper.
Interestingly, the city had a significant outage in 2008 due to a fiber cut outside of town.
The new redundancy brought by fiber that would mean a decrease in the chances for a repeat of the winter 2008 when a third-party contractor working to put up a communications tower for AmerenIP cut a fiber optic cable near Maryville, knocking out phone service, most cellular services and Internet service in Highland for nearly seven hours, Latham [city manager] said.
Worried about the future, Latham then spoke with the incumbent provider:
“There was another one for a short span six weeks after that and I spoke with a Verizon official if there were any plans to come in a build a tieback to create redundancy and they said no. The city is fighting for the best interests of this community.”
Whether Highland can get broadband stimulus funding in round 2 or not, they are on the right path for ensuring their community is ready for the future.
Random Quote
Featured Reports
Comments
Best documented citizen's group v incumbents battle
Tricitybroadband was the first website in the nation to document all tools used by the incumbents in muni battles to deceive, manipulate, and mislead residents about what a FTTH network could bring to our communities. The Tri-Cities' battle with Comcast and SBC (now AT&T)has been well documented nationally in several magazines, newspapers, stories on the radio, and publicised at conferences around the United States.
If any munis would like more information about doing battle with incumbents simply ask. Their bottom line is all that is important to them, and don't let them tell you otherwise.
Annie C
Post new comment