Posts Tagged: The FCC

Municipal Broadband Networks Are Not a Threat to the First Amendment

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The constitution over a flag with a gavel on top of it.

Last week, Motherboard published an article denouncing a speech made by FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly, at this year’s “Free Speech America Gala” held by the Media Institute. In this speech, O’Rielly outwardly attacked municipal owned networks for impinging upon users first amendment rights. The commissioner’s exact words were “In addition to creating competitive distortions and misdirecting scarce resources that should go to bringing broadband to the truly unserved areas, municipal broadband networks have engaged in… Read more »

Big Things Are Happening in Rural Broadband Expansion

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Chairman Ajit Pai visiting OTELCO's Maine office to discuss rural broadband expansion.

Just last week, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai traveled to Maine to discuss his passion for rural broadband expansion, and his goal of “closing the digital divide.” During his visit, the Chairman stopped by OTELCO’s New Gloucester, Maine office to discuss the company’s role in the development of rural connectivity. Last week also marked the unveiling of the USDA’s new broadband webpage. The new website includes lots of broadband resources, including information on funding and opportunities… Read more »

Is Broadband Really “The New Dial-Tone?”

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Abstract Digital network communication digital concept

No question about it, broadband is infrastructure, and it gets compared to other types of vital infrastructure all the time in the course of the ongoing discussion about improving broadband speeds and coverage, including highways, plumbing and public water, electricity, and even telephone service. This phenomenon was in full force last week when Maine got it’s first-ever (we think) visit from a sitting FCC Commissioner, newly re-appointed democrat Jessica Rosenworcel, who joined United States Senator… Read more »

Can a Home VPN Protect Your Internet Privacy When the FCC Won’t?

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Internet modem

A home VPN is one way to ensure your privacy on the Internet — especially now that the government has ended privacy rules governing ISPs. A Virtual Private Network or VPN is exactly what its name says.  It’s a secure private network in the cloud, meaning it’s virtual.  Many businesses employ VPNs to provide network security and ensure that employees can securely work from remote locations. A home VPN alters your Internet footprint. Without a… Read more »

Creating a Broadband Policy without Doughnut Holes

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People are working to get broadband access to rural areas in companies like OTELCO and at town halls, state houses and Federal agencies across the country.  The latter two groups are focused on two different vehicles for promoting broadband.  First, they set policies to promote broadband expansion and the construction of new networks.  Second, they distribute state and Federal monies in the form of grants to subsidize construction of networks where there isn’t necessarily a… Read more »