It's been almost 6 months since we blogged about about the FCC and Chairman Wheeler's statements regarding Open Internet Rules, (click here to see our previous post), as well as some already successful Muni Broadband projects. I've spent a ton of time this spring/summer at telecom, broadband and fiber focused trade shows, discussing the implications of Wheeler's statements and watching how municipalities are responding. This is a pivotal time for the non-metro communities in the United States and I feel like I am ringside observing the fight between muni vs. corporate rights to launch meaningful Gigabit broadband services.  

Chairman Wheeler's comments to “preserve a free and open Internet” and “enhance competition” in the market were the literal starting gun last February for Munis to begin sprinting to prove their case to own their own broadband-fiber network. Municipal broadband is still in its infancy, but growing despite pressure and competition from telecom giants. Although the burden is still on each government municipality to prove their financial grit, more sound muni business plans are getting legs every month. 

Chattanooga EPB and Wilson-Greenlight Petition

On Monday, the FCC responded to petitions from Chattanooga, TN and Wilson, NC by opening up formal proceedings on the matter, and requesting people weigh in on the issue. Reporters from the Washington Post to GovTech covered the story.

Read the article and the several responses here...

http://muninetworks.org/content/community-network-media-roundup-week-august-1

What We Want

Stealing a thought from Chair Tom Wheeler ... To allow the Internet to remain a platform for innovation, economic growth, and free expression...for everyone, from any geography.

photo credit: Profound Whatever via photopin