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Bootstrapping an All Fiber Network – Part 1
“You can’t conduct your life with dial-up; this [broadband] isn’t a luxury question,” said Dr. Tim Nulty of ecFiber.net. In part one of this two-part interview, he explains how one community is bootstrapping the creation of an all fiber network in a very rural part of Vermont. His comments, made in April 2012, were prescient…
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Tele-Psychiatry – Better Outcomes While Saving Money
$18 million in Medicaid savings and over 80% reduction in per patient, per day costs ($2,500 to $400) is the windfall realized by the Palmetto State Providers Network (PSPN) due to the implementation of a statewide network that facilitates telemedicine to rural areas, according to a recent report issued from the Federal Communications Commission. PSPN is…
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Operational Savings and New Revenue – Part 1 of 4
Kevin Larson, GM & CEO of CTC in Minnesota, provides insight on ways independent rural broadband operators can stay competitive in ever more challenging times. He discusses the importance of a fiber to the home network infrastructure in reducing ongoing operational and maintenance costs, while providing a more reliable network for the end customers. He…
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Fiber by the Community
The story of B4RN and Annison shows the importance of local ownership for the creation of broadband networks in even the most remote of locations. It is a story that policy makers in the U.K and around the world should take note of as they as they draft legislation and promulgate rules to ensure broadband…
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Ensuring a Level Playing Field
How do you evaluate loan applications when as much as 25% cashflow is at risk? Hilda Legg, former RUS Administrator, asks this question with regards to the transition of USF to the Connect America Fund. In this interview Legg discusses USF, particularly from the perspective of the issues it raises for the RUS. She also…
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Ways to Bring Broadband to Rural America
How do you continue to bring broadband and fiber to rural America post-stimulus? James Salter of AEG suggests three things that policy makers should consider as they look at the best way to continue extending fiber and broadband to rural areas. He points out that this isn’t a simple issue, but believes it is just…
