Category: News

News and other note worthy events

Qwest Merger Prompts Concern

  By
Kirk Siegler (2010-04-22)
DENVER, CO (KUNC) – Colorado political and business leaders worry the looming merger of Qwest Communications with Louisiana-based CenturyLink will be bad news for the state’s economy. Governor Bill Ritter, senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet are expressing concerns about what the merger could mean for expanding broadband access to rural areas. And as KUNC’s Kirk Siegler reports, economists predict they’re could be a sizable trickle-down effect once the headquarters is moved. © Copyright 2010, KUNC

Rural Communities Still Lacking High Speed Internet

  By
Brian Larson / Jeff Nuttall (2010-04-22)
GREELEY, CO (KUNC) – Even in the 21st Century high-speed internet service is not a given in many parts of the state. But several groups are hoping to tap into federal stimulus money to fill in the gaps. KUNC’s Brian Larson spoke to Northern Colorado Business Report Publisher Jeff Nuttall about what’s driving the competition. © Copyright 2010, KUNC

Google Invites AT&T, Comcast, Verizon To Fiber Party

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Whenever they actually get a network built…
04:15PM Thursday Apr 22 2010 by Karl Bode

We already knew that Google’s plan to deploy 1 Gbps fiber to the home to a limited area was going to operate as a wholesale operation — with open access allowing ISPs to come in and compete on top of the network (whenever it’s finally built). Part of the reason Google’s deploying the network is so they can show how open access and competition can help keep prices down, service quality up and carriers on their best behavior. The company this week reiterated their dedication to open access, inviting companies like Comcast and AT&T to offer service over the network when it’s finally built:

ITU’s amazing facts: broadband prices drop like a stone

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Posted By TelecomTV One , 20 April 2010 | 0 Comments | (0)
The ITU today released a miscellany of telecoms facts and figures that seem to show a telecoms and ICT industry in rude health, despite coming through a gut-churning recession. We’re obviously getting good at weathering them. By Ian Scales.

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UTOPIA network is worth new bonds to foster Utah growth

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By Mike Winder

Published: Sunday, April 18, 2010 12:04 a.m. MDT

I was not an elected official when my city committed to the Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency (UTOPIA). But now as mayor of the largest UTOPIA city, I find that what to do with our city’s network has become one of the greatest challenges I face — not just because of West Valley City’s enormous commitment ($147 million between 2010 and 2040), but importantly because of the enormous potential benefits. I find the question is not, “Was UTOPIA a good idea or a bad idea?” The question is: “Looking at our hand today, what is our best way forward?”

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FCC set to take first steps toward national broadband plan

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Agency will next week lay out rulemaking to fund $15.5 billion for broadband deployment over the next 10 years

By Grant Gross
April 16, 2010 07:20 PM ET

IDG News Service – The U.S. Federal Communications Commission will take the first major steps toward implementing its national broadband plan next Wednesday, when it is scheduled to launch a rulemaking proceeding that would create a new fund for broadband deployment.

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Fact-checking Verizon’s CEO on US broadband awesomeness

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By Nate Anderson | Last updated a day ago

Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg sat down last week for a talk at the Council for Foreign Relations and talked about how mind-bendingly awesome the US broadband market is. Seidenberg all but put on a foam finger and started chanting, “We’re number one! We’re number one!”

All those studies you’ve read that suggest otherwise? The fact that Hong Kong residents can now get 1Gbps symmetric fiber for US$26, while New York City residents top out at 100Mbps and cost $100? Capping 3Mbps DSL at 5GB/month? All meaningless.

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