Community Broadband Media Roundup - June 27

Arkansas

Telecom, utility partnership pursues Arkansas gigabit by Joan Engebretson, Telecompetitor

The rural telco is South Arkansas Telephone (SATCO) and the power company is Ouachita Electric Cooperative (OECC). The telecom, utility partnership has formed a new company called Arkansas Rural Internet Service (ARIS) – and according to ARIS Director Mark Lundy, each owner has a 50% share of ARIS.

 

Colorado

Broadband initiative moving forward by David Persons, Estes Park Trail Gazette

Idaho

Open Access Idaho broadband network lets customers switch to a new ISP in seconds by Karl Bode, TechDirt

Minnesota

Lincoln County Board talks broadband by Jody Isaackson, Marshall Independent

North Carolina

North Carolina's new broadband plan forgets to include 'Don't let ISP lobbyists write Shittty state telecom laws' by Karl Bode, TechDirt

The FCC's action specifically targeted bans in both Tennessee and North Carolina, both states where incumbent telecom lobbyists quite literally control state legislatures. Both states' dysfunction on this front is legendary, yet both chose to sue the FCC in court to, they claim, defend "states rights" from federal government "overreach.”

Tennessee

Consumers reports surveys rate EPB best in the nation for TV, Internet by Tim Omarzu, Chattanooga Times Free Press

Chattanooga mayor credits muni-broadband with aiding city's revival by Shaun Nichols, The Register