MuniWireless

Showing the Obama administration’s ongoing committment to open government, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Rural Utilities Services (RUS) launched an online searchable database of the applications received for stimulus funds, the first tranche of funding under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP).

Click here for the database website.

According to our friends at Bingham McCutchen, the database does not yet include paper application or applications received under the State Broadband Data and Development Program.

Lompoc, California is trying to make its citywide wireless broadband service work harder by attracting and keeping more customers. The city has replaced its previous network management system with a new one from Aptilo and claims that Aptilo’s system now allows to city to manage its network better, including being able identify where problems occur, when customers call in. The city has also stopped using outside firms to manage the network. Now, instead of needing 4000 subscribers to break even,…

Stephouse Networks, a Portland-based wireless ISP, announced they are offering Wi-Fi and fixed WiMAX service within the five square miles of Portland’s downtown area and two square miles of North Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood. The fixed WiMAX service is targeted to enterprise users, primarily to replace more expensive T-1 lines.

Last week, I spoke to Tyler Booth, CEO of Stephouse, about their Portland network. Booth made it clear that Stephouse did not take over the MetroFi contract with Portland (even though…

Hartford, Connecticut has abandoned its plan to cover the city with wireless broadband service. Instead, it will focus on maintaining the existing network which is available in the Blue Hills neighborhood and certain parts of downtown. Hartford had embarked on a $5.8 million plan to unwire the city, primarily to bring inexpensive or free Internet access to low-income residents. But lack of demand from residents, coupled with rising costs, have forced the city to rethink the entire project.

Several points raised…

Network 1 Communications, a wireless ISP, will be bringing wireless broadband service to the following communities  in the St. Louis area: Ballwin, Chesterfield, Olivette, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, Hazelwood, Glendale and Arnold. They join Granite City, Cottleville, Florissant, Crestwood, Kirkwood, O’Fallon, St. Paul and Dardenne Prairie. Network 1 charges between $20 and $50 per month for service.

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Network 1 Communications to unwire Granite City, Illinois