Community Broadband Networks
@communitynets.bsky.social
Internet access touches almost every aspect of our daily lives. At CommunityNetworks.org, we have assembled the nation's largest storehouse of information on communities building publicly-owned networks directly accountable to the communities they serve.
Pinned
Although we have been in this work for nearly two decades, if you are not familiar with ILSR's Community Broadband Networks team, allow us to introduce ourselves in this thread...
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Will states get their "non-deployment" BEAD dollars to help tackle the nation's massive digital divide or will NTIA flout the law?
Our story at link below in light of recent developments 🌐⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/ntia...
Our story at link below in light of recent developments 🌐⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/ntia...
February 13, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Will states get their "non-deployment" BEAD dollars to help tackle the nation's massive digital divide or will NTIA flout the law?
Our story at link below in light of recent developments 🌐⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/ntia...
Our story at link below in light of recent developments 🌐⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/ntia...
On our latest podcast, @sportshotchris.bsky.social is joined by @dougdawsonccg.bsky.social & @seangon.bsky.social to dive into the wave of major telecom mergers, what growing market power means for consumers, and dig into new research fr Chattanooga on the economic benefits of municipal fiber
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Mergers, Monopoly Prices, and Accountability - Episode 676 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast | Community Broadband Bits | Episode 676
Chris Mitchell, Doug Dawson, and Sean Gonsalves break down the latest telecom mergers, Starlink’s push to reshape BEAD rules, and new research showing how lack of competition drives higher prices for ...
share.transistor.fm
February 11, 2026 at 10:15 PM
On our latest podcast, @sportshotchris.bsky.social is joined by @dougdawsonccg.bsky.social & @seangon.bsky.social to dive into the wave of major telecom mergers, what growing market power means for consumers, and dig into new research fr Chattanooga on the economic benefits of municipal fiber
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California regulators recently signed off on Verizon’s $20 billion merger with some notable affordability conditions
Still, affordability advocates "remain concerned about the long-term impacts of major telecommunications mergers on the broadband landscape in California."
Our story here
Still, affordability advocates "remain concerned about the long-term impacts of major telecommunications mergers on the broadband landscape in California."
Our story here
A $20 Verizon Internet Deal on Paper – Will Depend Heavily on Enforcement | Welcome to Community Networks
California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently signed off on Verizon’s $20 billion merger with telecom giant Frontier with some notable conditions. While the concessions extracted from Veriz...
communitynetworks.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:55 PM
California regulators recently signed off on Verizon’s $20 billion merger with some notable affordability conditions
Still, affordability advocates "remain concerned about the long-term impacts of major telecommunications mergers on the broadband landscape in California."
Our story here
Still, affordability advocates "remain concerned about the long-term impacts of major telecommunications mergers on the broadband landscape in California."
Our story here
While our broadband team focuses on local connectivity solutions, our GIS specialist @cthemaplady.bsky.social made time to create an interactive map for one of ILSR's other initiatives (Independent Business)
It maps food deserts & shows how corporate concentration has reshaped food access in the US
It maps food deserts & shows how corporate concentration has reshaped food access in the US
Mapping Food Deserts and Grocery Consolidation
To help users explore how corporate concentration has reshaped food access across the United States, ILSR created an interactive map that shows food deserts alongside the location of different types o...
ilsr.org
February 3, 2026 at 7:49 PM
While our broadband team focuses on local connectivity solutions, our GIS specialist @cthemaplady.bsky.social made time to create an interactive map for one of ILSR's other initiatives (Independent Business)
It maps food deserts & shows how corporate concentration has reshaped food access in the US
It maps food deserts & shows how corporate concentration has reshaped food access in the US
Reposted by Community Broadband Networks
They don't want oversight? Fine. No money then.
February 3, 2026 at 5:16 PM
They don't want oversight? Fine. No money then.
Reposted by Community Broadband Networks
Understand that once StarLink has a monopoly, it will quadruple or 10x its prices, install horrible filtering, and steal all your data.
Elon’s behaviour is consistent.
StarLink is not “cheaper“; it is TEMPORARILY subsidised by Bad People to build a monopoly that it can then *exploit brutally*
Elon’s behaviour is consistent.
StarLink is not “cheaper“; it is TEMPORARILY subsidised by Bad People to build a monopoly that it can then *exploit brutally*
February 3, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Understand that once StarLink has a monopoly, it will quadruple or 10x its prices, install horrible filtering, and steal all your data.
Elon’s behaviour is consistent.
StarLink is not “cheaper“; it is TEMPORARILY subsidised by Bad People to build a monopoly that it can then *exploit brutally*
Elon’s behaviour is consistent.
StarLink is not “cheaper“; it is TEMPORARILY subsidised by Bad People to build a monopoly that it can then *exploit brutally*
On our latest podcast, @sportshotchris.bsky.social, Doug Adams and @karlbode.com break down Starlink’s behind-the-scenes push to rewrite BEAD rules, what it means for accountability and public dollars, and why communities could once again be left holding the bag
When Starlink Rewrites the Rules of Broadband Funding - Episode 675 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast | Community Broadband Bits | Episode 675
Chris Mitchell, Doug Adams, and Karl Bode break down Starlink’s behind-the-scenes push to rewrite BEAD rules, what it means for accountability and public dollars, and why communities could once again ...
share.transistor.fm
February 3, 2026 at 4:17 PM
On our latest podcast, @sportshotchris.bsky.social, Doug Adams and @karlbode.com break down Starlink’s behind-the-scenes push to rewrite BEAD rules, what it means for accountability and public dollars, and why communities could once again be left holding the bag
NTIA has threatened to without federal broadband $$ from states that enact affordable broadband legislation
But, a Maryland lawmaker tells NTIA to hold his beer as he filed an affordable broadband bill along with 25 co-sponsors that may just dodge a Trump admin bullet
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
But, a Maryland lawmaker tells NTIA to hold his beer as he filed an affordable broadband bill along with 25 co-sponsors that may just dodge a Trump admin bullet
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
Maryland Lawmakers Advance Broadband Affordability Bill Despite Federal Pushback | Welcome to Community Networks
Two dozen state lawmakers in Maryland have signed on to the Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act, state legislation that seeks to address broadband affordability. Introduced by Delegate Kris Fair (D...
communitynetworks.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:57 PM
NTIA has threatened to without federal broadband $$ from states that enact affordable broadband legislation
But, a Maryland lawmaker tells NTIA to hold his beer as he filed an affordable broadband bill along with 25 co-sponsors that may just dodge a Trump admin bullet
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
But, a Maryland lawmaker tells NTIA to hold his beer as he filed an affordable broadband bill along with 25 co-sponsors that may just dodge a Trump admin bullet
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a dramatic expansion of the state’s Municipal Infrastructure Program, relying on American Rescue Plan $$
Meanwhile, the current admin has been busy undermining the intent of the BEAD program, which states are relying on to close the digital divide
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
Meanwhile, the current admin has been busy undermining the intent of the BEAD program, which states are relying on to close the digital divide
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
New York Expands Its Historic Investment In Municipal Broadband | Welcome to Community Networks
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a dramatic expansion of the state’s Municipal Infrastructure Program. It will result in an additional $36 million cash infusion for the growing number of c...
communitynetworks.org
January 22, 2026 at 5:04 PM
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a dramatic expansion of the state’s Municipal Infrastructure Program, relying on American Rescue Plan $$
Meanwhile, the current admin has been busy undermining the intent of the BEAD program, which states are relying on to close the digital divide
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
Meanwhile, the current admin has been busy undermining the intent of the BEAD program, which states are relying on to close the digital divide
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
Our Senior Researcher Jessica Auer recently published a piece in Tribal Business News about how the future of tribal broadband has quietly but fundamentally shifted over the last few months
What's shifted? ⬇️
What's shifted? ⬇️
Trump administration’s tribal broadband cuts, “reforms” raise red flags ahead of consultation
The Trump administration canceled $160M in tribal broadband grants and promises "reforms" that could undermine tribal sovereignty. Consultations begin Jan. 20.
tribalbusinessnews.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Our Senior Researcher Jessica Auer recently published a piece in Tribal Business News about how the future of tribal broadband has quietly but fundamentally shifted over the last few months
What's shifted? ⬇️
What's shifted? ⬇️
⚡“Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband” free webinar starts in 30 mins. Join us where we’ll be joined by Keller & Heckman attorneys Sean Stokes & Casey Lide⚡
Community leaders, policymakers & broadband advocates nationwide this one's for you
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BItC...
Community leaders, policymakers & broadband advocates nationwide this one's for you
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BItC...
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband
YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance
www.youtube.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:33 PM
⚡“Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband” free webinar starts in 30 mins. Join us where we’ll be joined by Keller & Heckman attorneys Sean Stokes & Casey Lide⚡
Community leaders, policymakers & broadband advocates nationwide this one's for you
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BItC...
Community leaders, policymakers & broadband advocates nationwide this one's for you
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BItC...
⚡Join us today at noon ET for our free webinar with @aapbroadband.bsky.social and our special expert guests
We'll have Sean Stokes and Casey Lide from Keller & Heckman exploring laws, risks & solutions shaping local broadband networks⚡
communitynetworks.org/content/aapb...
We'll have Sean Stokes and Casey Lide from Keller & Heckman exploring laws, risks & solutions shaping local broadband networks⚡
communitynetworks.org/content/aapb...
January 20, 2026 at 2:27 PM
⚡Join us today at noon ET for our free webinar with @aapbroadband.bsky.social and our special expert guests
We'll have Sean Stokes and Casey Lide from Keller & Heckman exploring laws, risks & solutions shaping local broadband networks⚡
communitynetworks.org/content/aapb...
We'll have Sean Stokes and Casey Lide from Keller & Heckman exploring laws, risks & solutions shaping local broadband networks⚡
communitynetworks.org/content/aapb...
Community matters - especially now
Publicly-owned, locally-controlled broadband is one way communities strengthen themselves, putting connectivity in local hands and opening the digital world to everyone
We celebrate the muni networks that were launched in 2025 here! 🎉🌐💻
Publicly-owned, locally-controlled broadband is one way communities strengthen themselves, putting connectivity in local hands and opening the digital world to everyone
We celebrate the muni networks that were launched in 2025 here! 🎉🌐💻
Meet the Municipal Networks that Launched in 2025 | Welcome to Community Networks
In 2025, we saw seven new municipal broadband networks across the country that were lit up for service. As is usual, it was a mixture of partnerships, business models, and construction approaches to m...
communitynetworks.org
January 15, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Community matters - especially now
Publicly-owned, locally-controlled broadband is one way communities strengthen themselves, putting connectivity in local hands and opening the digital world to everyone
We celebrate the muni networks that were launched in 2025 here! 🎉🌐💻
Publicly-owned, locally-controlled broadband is one way communities strengthen themselves, putting connectivity in local hands and opening the digital world to everyone
We celebrate the muni networks that were launched in 2025 here! 🎉🌐💻
Critics are fond of saying municipal broadband is a "boondoggle" for taxpayers
Never mind the fact that it's NOT true, lookie here
Charter got $2 mil in tax dollars back in May 2023 to expand Internet access in Richland County. Now local officials are worried Charter won't meet the 2026 deadline
Never mind the fact that it's NOT true, lookie here
Charter got $2 mil in tax dollars back in May 2023 to expand Internet access in Richland County. Now local officials are worried Charter won't meet the 2026 deadline
Clock ticking for Charter to complete northern Richland County broadband work
Charter Communications is officially on the final ARPA countdown clock. And, at this point, no overtime is likely.
www.richlandsource.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Critics are fond of saying municipal broadband is a "boondoggle" for taxpayers
Never mind the fact that it's NOT true, lookie here
Charter got $2 mil in tax dollars back in May 2023 to expand Internet access in Richland County. Now local officials are worried Charter won't meet the 2026 deadline
Never mind the fact that it's NOT true, lookie here
Charter got $2 mil in tax dollars back in May 2023 to expand Internet access in Richland County. Now local officials are worried Charter won't meet the 2026 deadline
Reposted by Community Broadband Networks
Next week: join us, @communitynets.bsky.social for “Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband,” where we’ll be joined by Keller & Heckman attorneys Sean Stokes and Casey Lide.
Learn to tackle legal, governance, and regulatory hurdles head-on.
Register: sites.google.com/ilsr.org/ils...
Learn to tackle legal, governance, and regulatory hurdles head-on.
Register: sites.google.com/ilsr.org/ils...
January 12, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Next week: join us, @communitynets.bsky.social for “Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband,” where we’ll be joined by Keller & Heckman attorneys Sean Stokes and Casey Lide.
Learn to tackle legal, governance, and regulatory hurdles head-on.
Register: sites.google.com/ilsr.org/ils...
Learn to tackle legal, governance, and regulatory hurdles head-on.
Register: sites.google.com/ilsr.org/ils...
⚡Our webinar series with @aapbroadband.bsky.social returns on Jan 20
Communities kicking the tires on building a municipal network or thinking about a public-private partnership are not going to want to miss this free event
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband
Communities kicking the tires on building a municipal network or thinking about a public-private partnership are not going to want to miss this free event
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband
AAPB and ILSR to Host Webinar on Legal Challenges Facing Community Broadband | Welcome to Community Networks
The free event, featuring Keller & Heckman attorneys Sean Stokes and Casey Lide, will focus on the most pressing legal considerations facing community broadband projects, partnerships, and compliance....
communitynets.org
January 12, 2026 at 6:27 PM
⚡Our webinar series with @aapbroadband.bsky.social returns on Jan 20
Communities kicking the tires on building a municipal network or thinking about a public-private partnership are not going to want to miss this free event
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband
Communities kicking the tires on building a municipal network or thinking about a public-private partnership are not going to want to miss this free event
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Community Broadband
We are always happy to speak with reporters about broadband and its real-world impacts
In this excellent Meditech Today piece, our Senior Researcher Jessica Auer offers some insights on how the current administration is shortchanging connectivity in Indian Country
In this excellent Meditech Today piece, our Senior Researcher Jessica Auer offers some insights on how the current administration is shortchanging connectivity in Indian Country
In the Vast Expanses of Indian Country, Broadband Gaps Create Health Gaps, Too - Meditech Today
FORT HALL RESERVATION, Idaho — Standing atop Ferry Butte, Frances Goli scanned the more than half a million acres of Shoshone-Bannock tribal land below as she
meditechtoday.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:38 PM
We are always happy to speak with reporters about broadband and its real-world impacts
In this excellent Meditech Today piece, our Senior Researcher Jessica Auer offers some insights on how the current administration is shortchanging connectivity in Indian Country
In this excellent Meditech Today piece, our Senior Researcher Jessica Auer offers some insights on how the current administration is shortchanging connectivity in Indian Country
Blair Levin joined the Community Broadband Bits podcast to review 2025 while raising the key issues we should watch for in 2026 on matters of telecom, Internet access, etc. And we put it on YouTube!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc44...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc44...
2026 Predictions with Blair Levin- Episode 671 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast
YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Blair Levin joined the Community Broadband Bits podcast to review 2025 while raising the key issues we should watch for in 2026 on matters of telecom, Internet access, etc. And we put it on YouTube!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc44...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc44...
Even though the Mayor of Williston, FL is trying throw shade on the project, the city council is unanimous in green-lighting the construction of a city-wide municipal broadband network that is expected to be lit up for service soon
Our story here 💻🌐⬇️
Our story here 💻🌐⬇️
Williston, Florida’s $4.6 Million City-Owned Fiber Network To Go Live Soon | Welcome to Community Networks
The city of Williston, Florida is joining the ranks of municipalities across the nation that are building their own fiber broadband networks with an eye on ubiquitous, affordable access. City leaders ...
communitynetworks.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Even though the Mayor of Williston, FL is trying throw shade on the project, the city council is unanimous in green-lighting the construction of a city-wide municipal broadband network that is expected to be lit up for service soon
Our story here 💻🌐⬇️
Our story here 💻🌐⬇️
Did you catch our year-end Community Broadband Bits podcast where the entire CBN team revisited our 2025 predictions - and reckoned with what actually happened
Check it out at link below
*Our 2026 predictions podcast: coming soon
Check it out at link below
*Our 2026 predictions podcast: coming soon
Year in Review 2025 - Episode 670 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast | Community Broadband Bits | Episode 670
In this year-end roundtable, the Community Broadband Networks team looks back at their 2025 predictions—and reckons with what actually happened.
share.transistor.fm
January 6, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Did you catch our year-end Community Broadband Bits podcast where the entire CBN team revisited our 2025 predictions - and reckoned with what actually happened
Check it out at link below
*Our 2026 predictions podcast: coming soon
Check it out at link below
*Our 2026 predictions podcast: coming soon
Building for Digital Equity "Digital Equity Unwrapped: is starting now!
Join us as we look back on the difficult year in broadband and digital equity in 2025
Join us as we look back on the difficult year in broadband and digital equity in 2025
Building for Digital Equity #B4DE - Digital Equity Unwrapped: End of Year Reflections
YouTube video by Institute for Local Self-Reliance
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Building for Digital Equity "Digital Equity Unwrapped: is starting now!
Join us as we look back on the difficult year in broadband and digital equity in 2025
Join us as we look back on the difficult year in broadband and digital equity in 2025
⚡Join us for our last #B4DE of the year - “Digital Equity Unwrapped”⚡
The livestream will look back on the year in broadband & digital equity with a few special guests, including NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer and @aapbroadband.bsky.social Executive Director Gigi Sohn!
Starts in 30 mins!
The livestream will look back on the year in broadband & digital equity with a few special guests, including NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer and @aapbroadband.bsky.social Executive Director Gigi Sohn!
Starts in 30 mins!
Digital Equity Unwrapped: A Look Back at a Challenging Year – and the Hope That Remains | Welcome to Community Networks
“Digital Equity Unwrapped” – a special livestream bringing together advocates and broadband-for-all leaders who spent 2025 pushing for a more connected and inclusive nation – is slated for next Wednes...
communitynetworks.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:35 PM
⚡Join us for our last #B4DE of the year - “Digital Equity Unwrapped”⚡
The livestream will look back on the year in broadband & digital equity with a few special guests, including NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer and @aapbroadband.bsky.social Executive Director Gigi Sohn!
Starts in 30 mins!
The livestream will look back on the year in broadband & digital equity with a few special guests, including NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer and @aapbroadband.bsky.social Executive Director Gigi Sohn!
Starts in 30 mins!
Yes, 2025 tested us
Still, hope survives. Join our end of year Building for Digital Equity livestream to reflect, reset and gear up for a pivotal 2026 in the fight for universal broadband
Details and registration at link below ⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/digi...
Still, hope survives. Join our end of year Building for Digital Equity livestream to reflect, reset and gear up for a pivotal 2026 in the fight for universal broadband
Details and registration at link below ⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/digi...
December 10, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Yes, 2025 tested us
Still, hope survives. Join our end of year Building for Digital Equity livestream to reflect, reset and gear up for a pivotal 2026 in the fight for universal broadband
Details and registration at link below ⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/digi...
Still, hope survives. Join our end of year Building for Digital Equity livestream to reflect, reset and gear up for a pivotal 2026 in the fight for universal broadband
Details and registration at link below ⬇️
communitynetworks.org/content/digi...
With nearly $500 million still available in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, recent announcements from the Trump Admin about how the program will move forward raises more questions than answers
A new chapter in a long history of broken promises to Indian Country?
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
A new chapter in a long history of broken promises to Indian Country?
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
IN OUR VIEW: Decoding The Possible Meaning of “Reforms” to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program | Welcome to Community Networks
With nearly $500 million still available in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, recent announcements from the Trump Administration about how the program will move forward raised more questions ...
communitynetworks.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:23 PM
With nearly $500 million still available in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, recent announcements from the Trump Admin about how the program will move forward raises more questions than answers
A new chapter in a long history of broken promises to Indian Country?
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
A new chapter in a long history of broken promises to Indian Country?
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
A new study shows that the now expired Affordable Connectivity Program helped low-income Americans get better access to jobs, with particularly strong effects for women
“Overall, when these employment impacts are factored in, the benefits of ACP far outweigh its costs.”
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
“Overall, when these employment impacts are factored in, the benefits of ACP far outweigh its costs.”
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
Affordable Broadband Subsidy Boosts Jobs, Especially for Women, New Study Shows | Welcome to Community Networks
A new study shows that the now expired Affordable Connectivity Program helped low-income Americans get better access to jobs, with particularly strong effects for women. The ACP program ended in May 2...
communitynetworks.org
December 3, 2025 at 6:18 PM
A new study shows that the now expired Affordable Connectivity Program helped low-income Americans get better access to jobs, with particularly strong effects for women
“Overall, when these employment impacts are factored in, the benefits of ACP far outweigh its costs.”
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️
“Overall, when these employment impacts are factored in, the benefits of ACP far outweigh its costs.”
Our story here 🌐💻⬇️