Fast, affordable Internet access for all.
Katie Kienbaum
Before joining ILSR, Katie conducted outreach to members of rural electric cooperatives in western North Carolina. She holds a degree in economics and environmental studies from the University of Pittsburgh.
Stories by this author
ILSR Challenges Frontier's Attempt to Block Rural Broadband Upgrades
Late last month, we reported on Frontier Communications’ claim that it now offers broadband in 17,000 rural census blocks in an effort to remove those areas from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) upcoming rural broadband funding program.
Westminster Teens Use Fiber, MAGIC, and Tech Skills to Survive Zombie Apocalypse
When communities deploy Internet access infrastructure, they use their investment to reduce costs for telecommunications, improve local connectivity, and encourage economic development. In Westminster, Maryland, they’re also using their fiber optic network to boost local high school students’ tech skills in a fun and creative way. The community is using publicly owned fiber optic “magic” to multiply their youth’s opportunities.
Bipartisan Bills Introduced to Correct Tax Law Hindering Rural Co-op Broadband
Last November, we reported on a change to the tax code that is deterring rural telephone and electric cooperatives from leveraging government funding to expand broadband access.
Transcript: Community Broadband Bits Episode 376
This is the transcript for episode 376 of the Community Broadband Bits podcast. In this episode, Christopher interviews Mark Buell and Katie Watson Jordan from the Internet Society about their work building trust on the Internet and increasing access in remote communities.
USDA Extends ReConnect Application Deadline to End of March
Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is extending the ReConnect broadband program round two deadline to March 31, 2020. The agency will distribute $550 million this year in grants and loans to expand connectivity in rural America. Previously, applications were due by March 16 to be considered for the funding.
Two New Communications Districts Join Vermont’s Growing Community Broadband Effort
In March, we reported on the formation of Deerfield Valley Communications Union District in Vermont.
Virginia Co-op Members Organize for Transparency, Renewable Energy, and Broadband
A couple years ago, fed up member-owners of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) in Virginia banded together to form Repower REC, a grassroots group that’s seeking to reform the state’s largest electric cooperative and advocating for clean energy and improved Internet access.
Tax Change Deters Rural Co-ops From Expanding Internet Access
For many rural Americans, the local electric or telephone cooperative is their best hope for finally obtaining modern-day connectivity.
Transcript: Community Broadband Bits Episode 356
This is the transcript for episode 356 of the Community Broadband Bits podcast. In this episode, Christopher talks to Arkansas State Senator Breanne Davis about recently passed Senate Bill 150, which lifted some of the state restrictions on municipal broadband networks.