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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 5d

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

Baller's journey as a broadband, economic development champion - Broadband Communities

For James Baller, emphasizing the relationship between broadband and economic development has always been a labor of love.

bbcmag.com

Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 6d

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."

Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 6d

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...

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 6d

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

Building for Digital Equity #B4DE - Moving at the Speed of Trust

YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance

www.youtube.com

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 6d

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 💻📶⬇️

Trump FCC Kills Popular Program That Brought Free Wi-Fi To Low Income School Kids | Welcome to Community Networks

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 ha...

communitynetworks.org

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 7d

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

Countdown to Next Building for Digital Equity Event: Moving at the Speed of Trust | Welcome to Community Networks

Slated for October 1 at 3 pm EST, the next B4DE virtual gathering will spotlight local strategies for digital equity and explore why it’s necessary for frontline digital inclusion practitioners to be ...

communitynetworks.org

Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 8d

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

Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan Communications Shares $3.6 Million Windfall With Members | Welcome to Community Networks

The electric cooperative-owned Paul Bunyan Communications in Northern Minnesota recently announced it was giving a $3.6 million profit windfall back to local community members. It’s the fourth such pa...

communitynetworks.org

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 14d

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

📶💻

Countdown to Next Building for Digital Equity Event: Moving at the Speed of Trust | Welcome to Community Networks

Slated for October 1 at 3 pm EST, the next B4DE virtual gathering will spotlight local strategies for digital equity and explore why it’s necessary for frontline digital inclusion practitioners to be ...

communitynetworks.org

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Reposted by Community Broadband Networks

Stacy Mitchell @stacyfmitchell.bsky.social · 14d

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...

Fewer households, businesses will get high-speed internet under revamped federal plan • Maine Morning Star

Tens of thousands of homes and businesses without internet access will not receive it.

mainemorningstar.com

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 19d

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

California Regulators To Include Broadband Affordability Requirements In Verizon Frontier Merger Approval | Welcome to Community Networks

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is poised to include new broadband affordability requirements as part of the state’s looming approval of Verizon’s massive $20 billion merger with Fro...

communitynetworks.org

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Reposted by Community Broadband Networks

American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) @aapbroadband.bsky.social · 28d

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-...

Community Broadband Film Series II - Rocketeers: The UTOPIA Fiber Story

YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance

www.youtube.com

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · 29d

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.

In Our View: Trump Administration Doubles Down on Pulling Investment Away from Rural Internet Access | Welcome to Community Networks

NTIA, the federal office administering the largest single investment to expand Internet access across the nation, appears to once again be changing the BEAD program in ways that would only force state...

communitynetworks.org

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Sep 5

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...

Recent Broadband News | Connect This! Show Episode 120

YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance

www.youtube.com

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 27

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...

grounds-eye view of old apartment building with old wiring snaking up the side of the building

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 20

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

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 19

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 📶⬇️

Gibson Connect's Rural Cooperative Model - Episode 658 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast | Community Broadband Bits | Episode 658

Scott Goff of Gibson Connect joins the show to share how an electric co-op in Tennessee is transforming rural communities with reliable, affordable fiber broadband. He and Chris discuss overcoming sta...

share.transistor.fm

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 19

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...

Vermont’s ‘Long’ Reach Toward Affordable Broadband | Welcome to Community Networks

As states struggle to readjust their plans to bring high-speed Internet access to unserved and underserved locations in the wake of the Trump administration “termination” of the Digital Equity Act, Ve...

communitynetworks.org

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Reposted by Community Broadband Networks

American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) @aapbroadband.bsky.social · Aug 18

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...

Kendall County’s Broadband Ambition - Episode 622 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast | Welcome to Community Networks

In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Christina Burns and Zach Bachmann about Kendall County’s innovative project to expand Internet access through public-private partnerships and community...

communitynetworks.org

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 18

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 🌐💻📶

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 13

The most informative show in broadband, Connect This! is live now with special Gigi Sohn

Join us!

www.youtube.com/live/kfqBFEO...

Recent Broadband News | Episode 119 of the Connect This! Show

YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance

www.youtube.com

Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 13

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

Vineland, NJ Nabs $3.7 Million Grant To Begin Municipal Fiber Network | Welcome to Community Networks

Vineland, New Jersey officials say they’ve secured a $3.7 million grant from the state that will help expand fiber and wireless broadband access to the city of 62,000. Local officials are hopeful the ...

communitynetworks.org

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Reposted by Community Broadband Networks

Jesse Harris @elforesto.coolestfamilyever.com · Aug 11

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

Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 11

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...

Bountiful, Utah Finishes Muni-Fiber Network A Year Ahead Of Schedule | Welcome to Community Networks

Officials in Bountiful, Utah say they’ve completed the city’s $48 million open access fiber network a year ahead of schedule, bringing fast, affordable broadband access to the Salt Lake City suburb of...

communitynetworks.org

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 11

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...

Bountiful, Utah Finishes Muni-Fiber Network A Year Ahead Of Schedule | Welcome to Community Networks

Officials in Bountiful, Utah say they’ve completed the city’s $48 million open access fiber network a year ahead of schedule, bringing fast, affordable broadband access to the Salt Lake City suburb of...

communitynetworks.org

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Community Broadband Networks @communitynets.bsky.social · Aug 7

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 🌐💻⬇️

Affordability Law Whodunnit Gets Less Mysterious, But Murkiness Remains | Welcome to Community Networks

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 Telecommunication...

communitynetworks.org

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Reposted by Community Broadband Networks

vcbb.bsky.social @vcbb.bsky.social · Aug 4

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.

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