Videos

Community Fiber Networks Are Faster, Cheaper Than Incumbents

We compare the broadband prices and speeds of community networks to incumbent providers, using examples from North Carolina that are representative of modern community fiber networks. Incumbent providers want to outlaw these networks even though many, including the Federal Communications Commission, recognize the clear benefits of allowing communities to decide locally whether such an investment makes sense.

Community Broadband, A Level Playing Field?

Communities pursuing their own broadband network are met with accusations from massive incumbent telephone and cable companies saying that it is not fair for local governments to compete against the private sector. This video shows that incumbent providers actually have all the advantages.

Community Broadband Networks and Preemption

Testimony before Commissioners Copps and Clyburn of the Federal Communications Commission at a hearing in Minneapolis on August 19, 2010. Christopher Mitchell comments focus on the need for the FCC is actually regulate in the public interest to ensure an open Internet and the right of communities to build their own broadband infrastructure when they choose.

PBS: Need to Know - High Fiber

5/13/2011 - Rick Karr, a correspondent with PBS' Need to Know, travels to Europe to investigate why some countries there have surpassed the US in fast, affordable, and reliable access to the Internet.

FTTH - What is it?

The video was produced the FTTH Council of Europe for a general audience on what fiber to the home means.

PdF 2011 - Lawrence Lessig: Citizens

Lessig presents at the Personal Democracy Forum 2011 using many of the findings and graphs on this website. He reviews the recent struggles with local broadband nationwide.

FiberFête


Chris Mitchell - Muninetworks.org from FiberCorps on Vimeo.

Christopher Mitchell presents at FiberFête on April 20, 2011 in Lafayette, Louisiana. He reviews ILSR's work and personal experiences with broadband.

Testimonial from EPB Fiber


Sherri Burns Describes Her Experience With Switching To EPB from EPB Fiber Optics on Vimeo.

EPB Fiber has produced several testimonials from real Chattanooga residents on their switch.

Chippewa Valley Local Network

The University of Wisconsin Extension Service looks at Wisconsin cities pooled their resources to build a high-speed broadband network. The high-speed connections create opportunities to share applications, and open up possibilities for new uses of technology.

High Speed E-government

Another video from the Building Community Capacity through Broadband project (hosted by the University of Wisconsin Extension service) takes a look at how local governments use broadband and the importance of high capacity, reliable connections that they can actually afford.

iProvo for Dummies

Jesse Harris, of the Free UTOPIA blog, gave a presentation explaining broadband network concepts and definitions without technical jargon. He also offered a history and recent events update about iProvo in a special meeting.

Sascha Meinrath on Broadband

A short video of Sascha Meinrath discussing the power of community networks, the need for broadband competition, and why the National Broadband Plan misses the mark.

Chelan PUD

A video from Chelan shows the benefits of a publicly owned fiber-to-the-home network in a rural public utility district in Washington State. The network has literally saved lived with tele-medicine applications.
Hilarious old school video but it covers PUDs well, allows you to understand where they come from (electrical, water, etc)

Debate over Muni Broadband Competing With Private Sector

An oxford-style debate hosted by the Information Technology Innovation Foundation in Washington DC. Jim Baller and Christopher Mitchell defend local authority to build community networks over the course of a two hour debate. This is an excellent policy discussion.

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