It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, let alone something about local broadband news. What can I say, I’ve been busy! Most stuff goes on Twitter these days because it’s fast. But there’s been plenty of broadband news and discussion lately, so I thought I’d gather some of that stuff together here. I’m sure I’ve missed things. Feel free to add to the information in the comments. The Humboldt County General Plan Update...
Posts Tagged ‘ broadband ’
Broadband Stimulus Funds Round 2
The Federal government is continuing to announce awards from the USDA (just one in California and it’s not for our region) and the Dept. of Commerce (nothing for California) for the first round of broadband stimulus funds. Now the second round of the application process is gearing up. They will be holding workshops around the country and providing live Webinars (one from Portland is going on this morning). Technorati Tags: broadband, stimulus funds
Fast Internet for All Slows to Crawl
Yesterday was declared the birthday of the Internet. It’s been an amazing 40 years. And the next 40 years will be even more amazing as the developments are accelerating. But one of the roadblocks to this future online world is our inadequate infrastructure – the too thin, too fragile tubes that are supposed to carry the rising flood of data. The 7 billion or so dollars the Federal government is supposed to pass out...
Regional Broadband and Stimulus Funds
When the Federal government announced that $7 billion would become available to improve the broadband infrastructure, some folks around here got excited. When it became clear that much of the funding would be given to help rural and under served areas, some of those folks got to work. At first it seemed the best approach would be to cobble together a regional proposal that would present a large enough profile to draw the attention...
Change Can Be Good
Things are changing at the local, state and national level. Most of the changes look horrible: Rising unemployment, lowering retail sales, budget deficits, foreclosures…. But out of this rubble some good thing may come. Sean McLaughlin from Access Humboldt sums up some of the positive changes that may create an more robust telecommunications infrastructure for us here on the North Coast in today’s Tech Thursday article. Much of these changes, if we pull it...
Broadband and the Stimulus Funds
Update (6/9/09): Access Humboldt recorded the event and the video is online. Today the RTC sponsored a luncheon that was intended to elucidate the confusing information surrounding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), how it might affect our region and specifically the prospects of improved broadband deployment. The room at the Red Lion was full of movers and shakers in economic development and Internet access interests. Before the main attraction, though, we were...
Lay Fiber Everywhere Dammit!
Ars Technica points to a new bill introduced by Rep. Anna Eschoo. Here’s the essence of the bill/article: The bill would require new federal road projects to include plastic conduits buried along the side of the roadway, and enough of them to “accommodate multiple broadband providers.” Conduits must meet industry best practices for size and depth, and road builders must include hand holes and manholes along the route to gain access to the conduit....
CPUC Approves Fiber Project
Yesterday the CPUC approved Broadband Associates’ funding for building a second fiber line from Redding to Eureka with plans to serve the communities along the 299 corridor. The project generated some controversy when it was first made public. Some thought it a waste of money when lower cost technologies such as microwave and wi fi networks would be adequate. Others believe Broadband Associates incapable of carrying out the project. Still others have had problems...
Are You Tired of Broadband Talk Yet?
The RTC luncheon on Monday was a great success. Erin Tracy from the Times-Standard did a good recap, and Ryan Burns from the Northcoast Journal has provided some nice personal details to fill out some of the atmospherics, including a little showdown between Mwichale Brinskele, CEO of Broadband Associates and Mike Ireton, owner of a wireless internet service provider (WISP) basee in Willits. Neither reporter addressed a couple issues I’d like to bring up....
Broadband Back in Focus
Those of us who already have high speed access have a tendency to get complacent about broadband issues until the next fiber break happens. But some have been working diligently to find ways to improve our telecommunications infrastructure, not waiting for the next disaster and knowing many areas of the region remain un-served or under served. In one fell swoop, one project may solve many of these issues. The California Public Utilities Commission appears...
Upcoming RTC Events
The Redwood Technology Consortium is trying some new things this year as the result of polling our community and talking to people about what is most useful. Instead of monthly meetings we will be offering a seires of luncheons with panels on variousl topics. The first luncheon will be held February 2, 12-2 PM at the Plaza Grill in Arcata. People from Redwood Coast Connect will be discussing the final report which will be...
Broadband Forum IV Live Stream
If you’re interested in viewing a live stream of Broadband Forum IV you can catch it here. I’m in the room, so my sound is turned off. But I understand the sound on the feed is not so good. Technorati Tags: broadband, live stream
Broadband Deployment In Focus
Tomorrow is Broadband Forum IV at Fortuna’s River Lodge. Redwood Coast Connect should be presenting the results of their assessment of broadband deployment in the region and plans for increasing that to more rural areas. In advance of that the Eureka Reporter’s Ashley Bailey has published part 1 of a 2 part series on the issue. It will be interesting to see what RCC comes up with beyond what most in the rural areas...
Redwood Coast Connect Results
After months of gather and analyzing data, Redwood Coast Connect is starting to share its findings and plans. Tomorrow they will make a presentation to the Board of Supervisors. RCC has been developing information on the best ways to get broadband deployed to rural areas of the region. If you can’t make that meeting, a similar presentation will be offered at the Redwood Technology Consortium’s open meeting this Thursday, 5:30 PM at the Humboldt...
Follow Up on Fiber Presentation
Rich Ryan offered some exciting options in his presentation for the RTC last night. His company, Hunter Communications has a great deal of experience building fiber networks in rural areas. They seem to know the issues that confront a region like ours. They understand the physical and regulatory landscape. They also seem to be able to make economic sense out of building fiber in areas that are generally under served by the telcos. Rich...
