http://mountainx.com/news/digital-disconnect-some-buncombe-rural-residents-get-left-behind/
The Mountain Xpress examines the rural broadband needs and the gap between urban and rural areas.
Note: there are some factual errors in the story.
Before I present the link to this article, I want to point out that this is NOT about AT&T or any specific incumbent broadband provider. Rather, this is an all-too common occurrence in rural America. Companies tell potential customers about available speeds, but once they look into the matter, it’s determined that the speeds aren’t available. Frankly, many companies don’t truly know what they can actually deliver until someone requests the service. Only then do they physically look into the infrastructure and determine what is available.
When AT&T promises broadband—but delivers only 300kbps
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9LssPev6EsEYlhNNGtuNEJ4ZFk/view?pli=1
Lafayette’s Republican City-Parish President (effectively ‘mayor’) Joey Durel, Jr., congratulated the City of Wilson’s Mayor Bruce Rose for the FCC’s strong endorsement of their preemption request. Further, President Durel underscored that broadband infrastructure “..is not a partisan issue.” And that it is about strengthening America and it’s about local self-reliance.
Take the time to read this brief letter. It is an important statement about modern communities.
***UPDATE*** Due to weather conditions, this visit was postponed to Mar 5 – 6. The Techworking will still be at Pack’s Tavern, but on March 5. The link below is still valid.
The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) will be visiting Asheville again on Feb 26 (Thursday) and 27 (Friday). Thursday night, NCTA will host a ‘Techworking’ event at Pack’s Tavern, and everyone is invited to this free event. Please follow the link below to register.
http://members.nctechnology.org/events/details/techworking-in-asheville-q1-32
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2015/db0205/DOC-331900A1.pdf
The FCC will consider Open Internet as well as the pre-emption of state laws prohibiting municipal broadband at its February 26, 2015, meeting.