Community Broadband Bits

Institute for Local Self-Reliance
  • 4.9 (26)
  • TECH NEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Community Broadband Bits

Short interviews with people doing interesting things to expand broadband networks that put community needs first.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Internet at $25: How Pharr is Making It Work - Episode 624 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    In this episode of the podcast, Chris checks in with Jose Pena, IT Director for the City of Pharr, Texas, to explore their groundbreaking municipal fiber network. Discover how Pharr has achieved a 50% take rate, saved residents millions annually, and launched digital equity initiatives that include free laptops and digital literacy training. ★ Support this podcast ★

    30 min

  2. NOV 12

    How U.S. Courts Are Reshaping Broadband Access - Episode 623 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Andy Schwartzman from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society to discuss how recent U.S. Court rulings are reshaping FCC authority and broadband policy. They explore the implications for universal broadband access, including the challenges around funding, school bus Wi-Fi, and net neutrality regulations. ★ Support this podcast ★

    44 min

  3. NOV 5

    Kendall County’s Broadband Ambition - Episode 622 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    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-driven solutions. Discover how this fast-growing Illinois county is balancing urban and rural needs with sustainable infrastructure planning and state-supported funding. ★ Support this podcast ★

    35 min

  4. OCT 29

    Starlink, Caps, and Consumer Concerns - Episode 621 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Karl Bode dive into the challenges of rural broadband, exploring why Starlink isn’t a cure-all, the impact of broadband caps, and the FCC’s push for greater pricing transparency. Tune in to hear how these issues affect affordability and why consumer-focused broadband policies matter more than ever. ★ Support this podcast ★

    43 min

  5. OCT 24

    Revisiting the Fight for Community Broadband and Public Networks - Episode 620 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    In this special episode of the podcast, we revisit a conversation between Chris and Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of the American Association for Public Broadband, discussing the growing movement for community broadband. They dive into efforts to expand local networks, the challenges posed by incumbents, and the pivotal role of state and local governments in shaping broadband policy. ★ Support this podcast ★

    47 min

  6. OCT 15

    Recent Broadband News Roundup - Episode 619 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    In this episode of the podcast, Chris and the CBN team discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, the importance of resilient infrastructure, and the controversy surrounding the FCC’s decision on Starlink’s rural broadband funding. Plus, they highlight new broadband initiatives in South Central LA and Vermont’s Fiber Technician Training Program. ★ Support this podcast ★

    36 min

  7. OCT 2

    ISPs and Copyright Infringement: The Legal Battle Over Liability - Episode 618 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Professor Alfred Yen discuss a major legal case that could hold Internet Service Providers (ISPs) accountable for their subscribers' copyright infringement. They dive into the potential consequences for ISPs, Internet users, and critical services if ISPs are forced to cut off access due to illegal downloading. ★ Support this podcast ★

    34 min

  8. SEP 24

    Exploring BEAD Blueprints and Tribal Broadband Initiatives - Episode 617 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

    In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by colleagues Ry Marcattilio and Jessica Auer to explore the latest BEAD blueprints and the role of low-cost broadband plans in advancing digital equity. They also dive into the progress of tribal broadband initiatives and discuss the challenges of building affordable, community-driven networks.  ★ Support this podcast ★

    32 min
See All (648)

4.9
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Short interviews with people doing interesting things to expand broadband networks that put community needs first.

Information

  • Creator
    Institute for Local Self-Reliance
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2024
  • Episodes
    648
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license
  • Show Website
    Community Broadband Bits

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