Broadband Makes the Grade

Broadband Properties Magazine has published a punchy of a MIT/CM study that showed unequivocally that broadband is a boon to communities where it is available. Broadband has made a difference in job growth, numbers of business startups and higher market rates for rental housing. Read the Broadband Properties article or the initial report presented at the Research Conference on Communication, Information, and Internet Policy (TPRC).

The Internet is a Social Tool

Disputing concerns that heavy use of the internet might diminish people's social relations, the Pew Internet & American Life Project suggests that the internet fits seamlessly with Americans' in-person and phone encounters. With the help of the internet, people are able to maintain active contact with sizable social networks, even though many of the people in those networks do not live close to them. Learn more.

Northern Ireland 100% Access to Broadband

Northern Ireland has become the first region in Europe to have 100% access to high speed internet, according to the government of Northern Ireland. Most have access via DSL, other methods, such as radio and satellite are used in rural areas. The next step is to promote benefits. Read more.

Read for Life Scholarship

HP has teamed up with IndiVisual Learning to offer grants to provide a one-to-one wireless mobile reading lab solution to deserving schools. The labs include 5 HP laptops and 3 years unlimited student use of the IndiVisual Reading program ($25,000 value). Learn more.

Qwest Communications recently notified broadband subscribers that it plans to change its DSL agreements following a federal ruling that deregulates some types of broadband services. Among other things, the new rules could technically prohibit small businesses (a coffee shop, for example) from providing Wi-Fi access to their customers and forbid DSL users from operating servers off of their accounts. Get details from Qwest.

On 19 January 2006, the WiMAX Forum, a nonprofit corporation that promotes and certifies compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products, announced the first fixed wireless broadband network products to achieve the designation of WiMAX Forum Certified. This is a big step towards developing standards in the next generation of wireless networks, which are designed to be faster and farther-reaching than Wi-Fi. Visit the WiMAX Forum.

AOL, Broadband Providers Form Alliance

AOL is partnering with broadband providers to offer high-speed AOL subscription packages for about $26 a month, slightly more than their dial-up access. Learn more.

Cambridge-Isanti - Cambridge- Isanti has developed partnerships to offer community classes, to create an initiative logo, and promote broadband in the newspapers. (Read more)

Cohasset - Late last year Cohasset set up Wi-Fi at City Hall, which they will be promoting this year. They are also talking about post-year one plans. (Learn more)

Fosston - The City of Fosston has been getting the word out about Get Broadband in their community through a web site, local radio, and newspaper. (Learn more or visit the Fosston Get Broadband web site)

Grand Rapids - Grand Rapid has been granted an extension and plans to evaluate a community hot spot. (Learn more)

Hibbing - After two days of consulting with Get Broadband Community Coach, Bill Coleman, Hibbing has set goals and is moving forward. (Learn more)

International Falls - The International Falls Get Broadband steering committee is co-sponsoring a series of 7 workshops on "Building Computer Skills" with the TechNorth Prep Center Network (TPCN). (Learn more)

Windom - The City of Windom is sponsoring a business luncheon "Growing Businesses Using Technology" on February 24. (Learn more)

Feb 12 (Elk Grove, MN) Net Returns - Maximizing Web ROI - Identify the potential of a corporate Web site related to sales, market reach, customer service and business development.

Feb 16-17 (St. Cloud, MN) TIES 2006 School Coordinator Conference - Share ideas and strategies with technology coordinators, network administrators, technology specialists and others responsible for school district technology.

Feb 18 (Minneapolis, MN) Think! Creating eLearning Courses That Work - Learn how communications professionals need to think differently to design eLearning courses.

To make this happen as we envision will require a partnership. We promise to provide great speakers and exciting content; we will rely on you to help spread the word and encourage participation from within your community. We are confirming arrangements for the February 21 videoconference. Our soon-to-be confirmed speaker is from the Intelligent Community Forum, a global technology and economic development organization. We encourage you to talk with your local and regional economic developers about attending the videoconference to learn what other communities are doing in this area.

Let us know how we can help you to make your local broadband initiatives more than skin deep!

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