UTOPIA will be holding an open house in Lindon to answer questions about the service that will soon be available to that city. It will be held on Dec. 5 at 6PM at the Lindon City Center, 100 N. State Rd. (See full article.)
The city of Layton, a UTOPIA member, recently approved a location for a major UTOPIA hub within the city. The city is not yet getting service, but is a member city scheduled to be hooked up during Phase II of construction. (See full article.)
Tonight I attended a meeting of the Utah Technology Commission to speak on opening up UTOPIA. The presentation went well, and I think it helped bring the shortcomings of the current law into the minds of the Commission. I also walked away with more ideas on where to go next…. Continue reading
The FTTH Council has filed a brief in favor of the Lafayette Utility Systems' efforts to deploy a municipal fiber network. The lawsuit was brought by a resident who claimed unfair government competition and has now been escalated to the state's Supreme Court. The lawsuit is built around a 2004… Continue reading
Michael Copps of the FCC says we're behind even Estonia as the cable/telco duopoly forces inferior service with higher prices on all of us. He also cites how disingenuous their broadband penetration numbers really are. It's good to see people in high places that know just how deep in it… Continue reading
I'm confirmed for a spot before the Utah Technology Commission at their meeting on November 15th at 5PM to discuss the shortcomings of the current law and discuss UTOPIA expansion. The meeting will be held in room W110. Hope to see some of you there!
There's an editorial on InterGovWorld.com that makes a good case for ditching the national approach to providing universal broadband service in favor of local municipal networks. Cited among the reasons are increased flexibility, better accountability, and self-reliance (i.e. not taxing citizens in one state to pay for improvements in another)…. Continue reading
There's an editorial at BroadbandReports.com that slams telcos and their blatant attempts to astroturf and pay think tanks to write papers for them. It's an excellent read and I highly recommend it. (See full article.)
This is an interesting concept. A Spanish start-up, FON, wants to sell you a cheap wireless router in exchange for providing Internet access to other FON users and subscribers. You also get to use any FON hotspot for free as a bonus for providing service. Residents in San Francisco recently… Continue reading
In a not so surprising story, a telecommunications consultant warned the city council of Wilson, NC that their support for municipal fiber projects could cost them their jobs. Catharine Rice told members of the council that they should fear a media blitz and retaliatory attack ads from the incumbent carriers,… Continue reading