CBAN would like to invite our members to join us online October 3-5 for our first ever Virtual Fall Summit! In the past, CBAN has had a fall meeting in person, usually in conjunction with the IAMU Fall Forum. However because our goal is to interact with all of our members across 20 states, we've decided to so our event online this year. While the final schedule has not been determined, we will have a 90-minute session on each of the three days. Each day will address one or two topics of broad interest to broadband advocates, communities, and providers. CBAN members can participate in sessions at no charge either by joining us live or by watching a recording of each day's activities at their own convenience. Topics that will be covered during the CBAN Virtual Fall Summit include:
Be watching Broadband Bytes and your email for further details and registration information!
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Iowa's newest municipal broadband utility has a leader. At their July 5, 2023 meeting, the Waterloo Telecommunications Utility Board of Trustees appointed Eric Lage to serve as the utility's General Manager of Telecommunications. Lage has served as General Manager at Reinbeck (IA) Telecommunications Utility (RTU) for the past 8 years. In addition to his duties at RTU, Lage has been an active member of the Iowa Heartland Chapter SCTE Board of Directors. “Eric’s operational and management successes in municipal telecommunications made him a stand out candidate for Waterloo Fiber’s General Manager of Telecommunications position. We are thrilled he has accepted this important role. Our board has full confidence in his abilities to meet our vision of providing locally owned fiber internet, with the lowest subscriber cost and superior customer service, to every business and resident in Waterloo,” -- Andy Van Fleet, Waterloo Fiber Internet Board Chair quoted in news release on the City of Waterloo website Lage says he is looking forward to the challenge of helping build a new fiber utility from the ground up. “I am both excited and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of Waterloo Fiber, especially knowing the great benefit it will bring to Waterloo's residents and businesses. As the project takes off, I look forward to putting my experience and knowledge to work. I would like to give a special thanks to my family for their support”. Lage begins duties at Waterloo Fiber the week of July 24th.
Young adults are often referred to as "digital natives" because they've had access to digital devices their entire lives. However, this term fails to account for the fact that many young adults have limited abilities to use digital devices for learning or work. In the latest episode, of Broadband Action, the CBAN podcast, we talk with Don Michael, Digital Literacy Specialist for Piedmont Community College in North Carolina, who works with incoming students to help round out their digital skills to make them ready for success. You can also enjoy the podcast in video form on the CBAN YouTube page!
CBAN is lining up great content for our Broadband Action podcast throughout the rest of 2023, and we'd love to have you join us!
Our most recent episode, "2023 Mountain Connect Preview is currently available for streaming on all the major podcast platforms. Or you can watch it in video form on YouTube.
Here are some of the topics we'll be covering in coming weeks on the podcast:
Our goal is to drop a new episode of Broadband Action every other Wednesday, and we are always looking for content ideas. If you have an idea for a podcast topic, email hello@broadbandaction.com. Thanks
That last days of June brought some developments in plans for a municipal fiber utility in Waterloo, Iowa. At a special council meeting on June 29th, the City awarded a bid of $77.86 million to ITG Communications of Tullahoma, Tennessee to build the FTTP network. The Waterloo Municipal Communications Utility has also launched a website to provide information about the project to residents (https://waterloofiber.com). Waterloo Fiber is planning to offer internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps symmetrical along with cable TV and telephone service. Construction is expected to get underway soon with the first connections planned for late this year.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and revolutionizing the way we live and work. As broadband technology and digital equity enthusiasts, it's essential to consider whether we are ready for the AI revolution. AI has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing access to information and services for underserved communities. It can assist in customer support through AI-powered chatbots, ensuring efficient service delivery. Moreover, AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions to address digital inequality. However, there are crucial considerations we must address. Data privacy and security should be a top priority, establishing robust safeguards to protect personal information. Additionally, the potential impact on jobs and the workforce needs to be taken into account. Investments in retraining and upskilling programs are essential to equip workers with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. To ensure inclusivity, AI technologies should be accessible to diverse user groups. We must avoid bias and exclusion by considering factors such as language, cultural context, and user experience. Transparency and accountability are crucial, with the development of explainable AI models and regular audits to rectify biases. Collaboration between governments, private sector organizations, and civil society is key. Together, we can shape policies and frameworks that promote responsible AI adoption, fostering a future where AI benefits society as a whole. In conclusion, AI has the power to transform broadband technology and bridge the digital divide. As enthusiasts of digital equity, let's embrace the possibilities and work together to shape an AI-ready future. CBAN DISCLAIMER - The above article was written entirely by AI using the ChatGPT app. Welcome to the future!
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Broadband Bytes NewsPresented by the Community Broadband Action Network and curated by Curtis Dean. Archives
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