@communitynets.bsky.social
Internet access touches almost every aspect of our daily lives. At CommunityNetworks.org, we have assembled the nation's largest storehouse of information on communities building publicly-owned networks directly accountable to the communities they serve.
At ILSR's 50th Anniversary Gala last year, we presented Jim Baller with a Lifetime Achievement Award, noting how he "worked on the first municipal broadband project (and) shaped many of the people” working in this space
It's nice to see Broadband Communities give Jim his props as well
She went on to say
"I just challenge anyone who feels like they're supposed to get out there and do something about this, do it afraid. Just get out there and do it. Everything else will fall in place. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to know it all."
One of our guests LaShawn Williamson shared something that was profound that applies to far more than broadband
"You just do it and do it afraid. And you walk by faith and not by sight. And everything that you need will come into play," she said...
Our third Building for Digital Equity livestream of the year brought together policy experts and frontline workers to explore how community-driven connectivity solutions are inextricably tied to building local trust
If you missed it, the entirety of the event can be viewed here
The Trump FCC has voted to kill two different programs that helped bring free Wi-Fi to school kids in underserved poor and rural U.S. communities
It’s the latest casualty of an administration that has been taking a hatchet to FCC consumer protection and affordability initiatives
Our story here 💻📶⬇️
Not too late to register for our Building For Digital Equity livestream today at 3 pm ET
Join us as we explore why “Moving at the Speed of Trust” is the key to creating community-driven digital futures
We have a powerful lineup of guests who will offer both insights and inspiration
Imagine one of the big corporate ISPs sharing profits w/community members👌😂
Now when it comes to community-owned networks like Paul Bunyan Communications in northern MN that's literally what happens: the cooperative recently announced it was giving $3.6 million back to its members
Our story here
Join us Oct 1 at 3 pm EST
Our next B4DE will focus on the fundamental importance of "moving at the speed of trust"
Our guests will illuminate why trust building is not just a soft, emotional concept but a measurable, actionable asset and foundational element of community-driven initiatives
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2. Not having high-speed internet is a huge obstacle to carrying out basic tasks, like applying for a job. But it's more than that; as my colleague @sportshotchris.bsky.social points out, this is about equality and freedom. mainemorningstar.com/2025/09/22/r...
24.09.2025 12:23 — 👍 8 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
A bill to address broadband affordability in CA was killed over the summer
But the California Public Utilities Commission is looking to include new broadband affordability requirements as part of the state’s looming approval of Verizon’s massive $20 million merger with Frontier Communications
Missed the return of the Community Broadband Film Series last week? 📽️ No problem - you can stream AAPB and @communitynets.bsky.social’s premiere of Rocketeers: The UTOPIA Fiber Story below, and stay tuned after for a Q&A!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjb-...
The Trump Administration is Doubling Down on its policy to Defund Rural Internet Access projects. The latest - not yet publicly documented - appears to be a super secret round with secret caps on fiber projects to pressure ISPs to switch more people to expensive satellite.
09.09.2025 22:58 — 👍 1 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Exciting new Connect This! about to start at 2ET (archived at same link) to discuss latest in BEAD, Starlink, USI Fiber and T-Mobile - inside an ISP sale - and more! Trying a new platform so bear with us and watch on YouTube! www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZFA...
05.09.2025 17:44 — 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
grounds-eye view of old apartment building with old wiring snaking up the side of the building
Here is our first installment of an ongoing series we are calling Connected Complex
It looks at how states, local communities, and ISPs are working to address the complex challenges involved in bringing high-speed Internet access to multi-dwelling units
communitynetworks.org/content/mass...
How come most of us don't have a choice in choosing Internet service providers?
Why is there is there so very little competition?
The CBN team cuts right to quick in discussing it with @karlbode.com @sportshotchris.bsky.social @seangon.bsky.social and @jpittman.bsky.social 🌐📶💻
#LostPackets
Scott Goff of Gibson Connect joins the podcast this week to share how an electric co-op in Tennessee is transforming rural communities with affordable fiber broadband.
He and @sportshotchris.bsky.social discuss overcoming state barriers, building trust, and why community-first models are key 📶⬇️
As states struggle to solve connectivity challenges in the wake of the Trump administration “termination” of the Digital Equity Act...
Vermont is working to a multi-million dollar shortfall in launching an Affordable Long Drop Program
Our story here
🌐📶💻
communitynetworks.org/content/verm...
How is Kendall County, IL connecting everyone from suburban hubs to rural farms with high-speed Internet?
@communitynets.bsky.social talks to Christina Burns & Zach Bachmann about the county’s broadband plan, Fox Fiber, and the partnerships making it happen. 🎙️
communitynetworks.org/content/kend...
If Internet access technologies were food and you were really hungry, what type of connectivity serves up the best meal?
@sportshotchris.bsky.social and @seangon.bsky.social discuss (Apologies in advance to vegetarians😬)
#LostPackets 🌐💻📶
The most informative show in broadband, Connect This! is live now with special Gigi Sohn
Join us!
www.youtube.com/live/kfqBFEO...
In the city where "it's always growing season," Vineland NJ is building a muni network to expand broadband with a focus on affordability
Vineland joins a growing list of cities turning to community broadband to regain control of its digital future fr the grip of monopoly providers
Our story here
While American Fork spent YEARS being butthurt at UTOPIA before finally deciding to just wash their hands of doing anything by saying "I guess Strata can build here if they want to", Bountiful built an entire fiber network. But not shocking if you know AF's history with networks (I do). #utpol
11.08.2025 19:23 — 👍 5 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
Comcast and Centurylink tried to sabotage the city-owned open access network project in Bountiful, Utah
They lost and now city residents finally have choice and competition - with 14 different ISPs to choose from
Community Broadband with another win! 💪🌐💻⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/boun...
The mystery of who and what killed the California Affordable Home Internet Act is coming into view
The evidence seems to be pointing to the new leadership now directing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
person working on utility pole
VT’s #broadband is being built by Vermonters, for Vermonters. Volunteers from across the state have come together to form and work for CUDs, in some cases partnering with private companies to deliver reliable, high-speed internet, no matter your ZIP code.
04.08.2025 18:52 — 👍 1 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh at a Launch Party for Surge Link in front of the Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Community broadband continues to make strides!
Our story here comes out of Syracuse NY where the city has expanded its municipally-owned network Surge Link to 9,200 low-income households, offering $15/month service for qualified households 👏👏👏
🌐💻⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/syra...
The CPUC have awarded 45 grants for community broadband projects in the past year alone
In May, we released at two-part interactive dashboard that helps visualize the success of community-based projects in California. You can find that here ⬇️
public.tableau.com/app/profile/...
Once again, community broadband is on march!
In Sonoma County, CA, the County Board of Supervisors recently announced that it has approved a list of new affordable housing sites that are eligible to receive free Internet for one year
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
On our latest podcast, you can hear @saschameinrath.bsky.social @sportshotchris.bsky.social and the CBN crew discuss the Starlink capacity constraints analysis and break down what Starlink gets right—and wrong—about solving the digital divide here 🌐⬇️
share.transistor.fm/s/9e965b55
1. Trump's rural supporters get crappy, expensive satellite internet rather than stable, cheaper fiber that promotes economic development, which the law promised them.
2. Elon Musk gets billions of taxpayer dollars.
All going according to plan.
