11//24//14

FCC weighs laws blocking local Internet providers from competing with telecoms

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/20/fcc-weighs-laws-internet-telecoms

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler has a problem. By 2015, the regulator wants at least one city in every state to have super-fast internet. The companies that provide that service? Not so much.

As he contends with calls from from no less than President Obama to mandate net neutrality, Wheeler is reviewing a challenge to state laws that have blocked municipalities from starting – or expanding – their own internet services. The attack is led by municipally owned internet service providers (ISPs) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Wilson, North Carolina: cities with lightning-fast internet speeds of one gigabit a second, about 50 times better than the US average. Neighbors in rural counties want to sign up, and that’s where the trouble starts.


11//11//14

The 10 Most Bizarre and Annoying Causes of Fiber Cuts

http://blog.level3.com/level-3-network/the-10-most-bizarre-and-annoying-causes-of-fiber-cuts/

Level 3’s Fred Lawler blogs about the most common, bizarre, and annoying causes of fiber cuts. It’s an entertaining read.


11//07//14

ERC is top Communications Technology company

It is with great pride that the ERC announces it was named the 2014 top Communications Technology company at the NC Tech Awards last night in Raleigh. We are all very proud of our regional network, and this is a fantastic stamp of approval for our team’s efforts. Thanks to all who supported the ERC in this award. A press release will be forthcoming.

 


11//03//14

FCC considers a ‘hybrid’ approach to the Internet

http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/10/29/usa-internet-neutrality-verizon-idINKBN0II1UX20141029

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is now considering a “hybrid” approach for broadband access, reports The Wall Street Journal and Reuters. The link above will take you to an article describing the latest in net neutrality issues.

Chairman Wheeler’s proposed plan is a departure from what the FCC proposed last spring, which called to have broadband classified as an information service. However, Wheeler said that he would take suggestions on whether they should classify broadband providers as common carriers.


10//24//14

Asheville – the next green tech town !

The Huffington Post just wrote an article about cities that are becoming hubs for development of sustainable (green) technologies and they named Asheville as “one to watch”. Check out the article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-grayson/innovation-earth-the-next_b_6025538.html?utm_hp_ref=tw