Future Fibre is a recurring series where we share some of the research, models, news, and ideas around community based connectivity. The Internet is too important to leave in the hands of big corporations.
The combination of open source technology and legacy technology makes it possible to setup networks that are affordable and offer quality that is good enough for the needs of users who otherwise might have nothing.
CFU is another solid example of municipally own Internet infrastructure that is run by a municipal utility. Much like EPB in Tennessee, there seems to be a definite advantage for municipalities that have their own utility arms.
One of the most important insights or lessons is the necessity of fibre optic connectivity rather than wireless. While this remains true in any community, it is particularly essential in rural and remote communities that are already suffering from expensive, slow, and unreliable access.
Althea combines open source software, accessible hardware, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology towards achieving a community ISP that can be set up anywhere.
Imagine if Internet was neither a significant monthly cost, nor congested due to low speeds and poor connection quality. This is what’s possible when the infrastructure is owned by the public, and the market is configured towards healthy competition.
FairlawnGig is a municipal broadband utility in Ohio that offers a stellar example of what communities can accomplish when taking control of their Internet.
Ubiquiti's role in the community and wireless internet provider industry has been substantive and has been a catalyst for their proliferation.
As a tool the Commotion Wireless Project has been used in a range of situations and locales. However as a concept, it has helped raise the profile and possibility of mesh networking.
The growing disparity between the quality of the Internet in urban areas compared to rural communities is scandalous. It reflects the self-interest that governs Internet infrastructure.
In today’s issue of Future Fibre, let’s take a look at one of the most celebrated and successful stories, EPB, or the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga Tennessee, providers of what may be the world’s fastest residential Internet service, at a blazing 10 Gbit/s.
In the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, KiN, or the Kaslo infoNet Society, has been able to provide high speed broadband Internet to residents at reasonable prices.
MuralNet is an Oakland California based non-profit, that helps indigenous communities in the United States build their own high speed Internet networks.