A novel way to fund broadband FTTH Internet - converting old coax/copper into microgrids

[I have long argued that we need to find new business models to underwrite costs of next generation broadband – Fiber to the Home ( FTTH) if we ever hope to breakup the existing broadband oligopoly.

What the Green Bay Packers can teach us about broadband

If Green Bay, Wis., a town of 105,000 people, can raise $70 million to rehabilitate its football field by selling $250 stock shares, I bet $250 there’s a community in America that can raise $2 or $3 million for a broadband network. Any takers?

New York Times on how universities and R&E networks can help community broadband deployment

[Tom Friedman's OpEd piece in today's NYTimes http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/opinion/friedman-so-much-fun-so-irrelevant.html?_r=1&hp captures the essence of why Internet and broadband are so critical to the future of our economy.

Customer Owned Fiber Network in Durban South Africa

“@tim_poulus: Successful customer-owned network near Durban (SA): FTTH beating ADSL pricing, plans uncapped service. http://t.co/rIaSyCe”

Consortium of 30+ universities to build next generation community broadband

[Here is a great example of how universities and R&E networks can play a critical national leadership role in the deployment of national broadband and help break the current broadband duopoly which is constraining innovation and economic growth.

Quebec announces $900m for provincial broadband initiative

[Almost totally ignored in the English Canadian press was the recent announcement by the Quebec government to spend $900m to provide high speed next generation Internet to all of Quebec.

Broadband and Economic Development - a hard look at job creation from all angles

[A very timely and important issue – BSA]
http://www.bbpmag.com/2011s/11economic-dev.php

Dear Colleagues,
Of the many great challenges that the United States faces today, none is more important or urgent than spurring robust economic development in our communities across America.