​Broadband consumption saw a significant milestone in Q3 2024, as upstream traffic grew at twice the rate of downstream traffic, according to OpenVault’s Broadband Insights (OVBI) report. Upstream traffic increased by 13.9% year-over-year, while downstream grew by only 6.8%, marking the lowest downstream growth since OpenVault began tracking it in 2017. Overall traffic rose 7.2%, reflecting a consistent shift toward user-generated content and evolving subscriber behavior.

A notable factor in upstream growth is the increasing activity of "extreme power users," those consuming 5 TB or more monthly. These users averaged nearly 1 TB of upstream data, with their overall usage growing 57% year-over-year. This trend is critical for cable operators, as traditional cable networks prioritize downstream traffic, making them less equipped to handle rising bidirectional demands.

The report emphasized the need for cable providers to address upstream constraints within the DOCSIS environment to maintain a high-quality user experience. As upstream traffic grows at more than twice the rate of downstream usage, network adaptability and continuous monitoring are essential.

Other insights from the OVBI report include disparities in data consumption across household income levels and sizes. Households earning under $50,000 annually exhibited the highest average monthly data usage (639 GB), despite having slower internet speeds. Data consumption ranged from 397 GB for single-person households to 1.125 TB for four-person households. Notably, urban and rural markets showed consistent speeds and usage, reflecting the impact of rural network upgrades.

Telecompetitor has a great article about the Open Vault report. CLICK HERE to check it out.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas have completed a $4.66 billion fiber broadband expansion, bringing high-speed internet to over one million residents. The initiative involved installing 40,000 miles of fiber through 17 cooperative broadband providers, including local and wholesale providers. An additional $2.2 billion investment is planned to connect 13,000 more residents, expanding the network to 53,000 miles and 1.2 million residents.

Drawing on their history of rural electrification, the cooperatives focused on underserved rural areas often overlooked by major telecom companies. Nearly 80% of the funding came from the cooperatives themselves, demonstrating their commitment to bridging the digital divide. CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten emphasized the democratic nature of co-ops, where members demanded broadband and co-ops found viable ways to deliver it.

The expansion was facilitated by Arkansas’s repeal of restrictive broadband laws in 2021, clearing the way for community-run networks. The cooperatives also leveraged federal funds, like ARPA grants, to deploy cutting-edge 2.5 Gbps services. 

Looking ahead, Arkansas cooperatives aim to continue their role in affordable broadband expansion, supported by over $1 billion in federal infrastructure grants. Hasten likened the impact of broadband to rural electrification, highlighting its role in enhancing rural life and economic opportunities.

CLICK HERE to read more about the great work being done by the coops at the Community Networks website, presented by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance

The average internet bill in Pennsylvania is $110 a month according to a survey of internet costs in America's most populous states. The survey, conducted by US News and World Report magazine, showed that consumers in Pennsylvania, California, Texas, New York, and Florida are paying 15% to 30% more for internet than when they first signed up. And a significant percentage of persons surveyed don't know what speed level they are subscribed to.

Other interesting findings from the survey include:

• 72% of respondents say they've never hit a data cap with their provider
• 76% want the government to cap the amount that ISP's can charge
• 87% want Congress to reinstate the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The FCC has initiated a formal review to assess customer support quality from cable, broadband, satellite TV, and voice service providers. The Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeks insights on current customer-service practices to help consumers easily cancel subscriptions, reach live representatives, and manage automatic renewals. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel supported the measure, emphasizing the need for transparent and effective customer service in essential communications services. She stated that users should not struggle to cancel services or connect with a representative to resolve issues.

The NOI, approved in a 3-2 party-line vote, aims to establish a public record on customer support while exploring ways to enhance protections for families and businesses reliant on these services. Key areas under review include simplified cancellation processes, clear renewal disclosures, better access to live representatives, and improved accessibility for customers with disabilities.

Commissioner Brendan Carr criticized the NOI, arguing it overreaches FCC authority and suggesting such protections fall under the Federal Trade Commission’s jurisdiction. He expressed concern that the inquiry distracts from essential priorities like expanding broadband access, positioning it as a deflection from more pressing needs. The FCC's broader "Time is Money" initiative aligns with the inquiry, aiming to reduce common consumer frustrations with service providers.

For more details on the FCC's inquiry, CLICK HERE to read the story at TV Technology.

CBAN also wants to extend our warm THANK YOU to ImOn Communications, which is partnering with CBAN to offset our travel costs to attend BBC Summit West! Not only is ImOn Communications a strong supporter of CBAN, they are also an amazing, community service focused provider. Thanks again for sponsoring our travel!

It's with a heavy heart that we report the passing of one of the pioneers of Iowa's municipal broadband community. Sal LoBianco, who helped lead efforts to build broadband at Muscatine Power & Water (MPW), passed away last month at the age of 69.

​A lifelong resident of Muscatine, Sal began his MPW career as a mechanical engineer at the power plant. As Director of the Telecommunications Utility Sal led efforts to build a municipal communications utillity following voter approval in 1997. He later served as MPW General Manager from 2009 until his retirement. In 2019, LoBianco was honored with the IAMU Broadband Vanguard Award for his passionate support of municipal broadband in Iowa.

We'd like to extend our sympathies to Sal's family on their loss. CLICK HERE to read his obituary.

In a strategic move that could reshape the telecommunications landscape, Verizon has proposed acquiring Frontier Communications in a multi-billion dollar deal. This week, Verizon submitted a detailed filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), marking a key step in the approval process. The proposed acquisition is aimed at expanding Verizon’s fiber-optic and broadband networks, particularly in underserved rural and suburban areas where Frontier has a significant presence.

The FCC filing outlines Verizon’s plan to invest in improving infrastructure and modernizing outdated Frontier systems, including enhancing 5G capabilities and boosting internet speeds for customers. Frontier, which has struggled with financial difficulties in recent years, welcomed the acquisition as a lifeline for its services and customers. 

While Verizon’s leadership emphasizes the potential benefits of better broadband access, critics express concerns about the possible impact on consumer choice and pricing in local markets. Industry analysts are closely watching the FCC’s review, which will consider both competition and consumer protection aspects of the merger.

If approved, this deal could create one of the largest telecommunications giants in the U.S., with implications for millions of customers across the country, particularly in regions currently relying on Frontier’s network. The FCC's decision is expected in the coming months.

Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) is celebrating 30 years of providing communications services this month, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of community-based broadband in Iowa. CFU was established as the state’s first municipal broadband utility following a successful vote on October 11, 1994. Since then, CFU has grown to become a leader in internet innovation, notably upgrading its entire network to fiber-to-the-premises in 2013, ensuring reliable, high-speed connections for residents and businesses alike.

In 2020, CFU became the first utility in Iowa to offer 10 gigabit internet service citywide, earning recognition from PCMag as the fastest internet service provider in the U.S. This achievement underscores CFU’s commitment to staying ahead of technological advancements, continually reinvesting in its infrastructure to benefit the local community. The utility is now working on plans to introduce even faster speeds, with upgrades to 25 gig services on the horizon.

CFU's commitment to affordability, innovation, and sustainability has kept the utility debt-free since 2019, providing reliable and cost-effective services to Cedar Falls residents. This ongoing success story demonstrates the power of community-driven utilities to deliver world-class services locally.