FCC Doles Out $115 Million in Broadband Subsidies To Bring Broadband to 400,000 New Homes and Businesses The FCC's Connect America Fund is intended to subsidize broadband operators so they'll fill in the spotty broadband coverage areas within their footprint. This week was the due date for applications, and while AT&T and Verizon say they won't be participating (largely because they no longer have any interest in rural landline services), companies like Frontier and CenturyLink quickly jumped at the government funds. All told, the FCC this week announced they'll be shelling out about $115 million in broadband subsidies in the first phase of their program, money the FCC says will bring broadband to 400,000 residents and small business owners in 37 states over the next three years. Overall, the FCC's program aims to connect 7 million unserved rural Americans to broadband in the next six years, with the larger goal of ultimately connecting the country's 19 million unserved residents by 2020. Unfortunately, once those users are connected they'll face sky high prices, since they'll be served by smaller telcos with absolutely no competition. The sorry state of U.S. broadband competition is something the FCC repeatedly chooses to ignore. Still, bad broadband is better than no broadband, and the FCC hopes this is just the beginning of their efforts to get the rest of the country wired. The FCC this week also unveiled a new interactive map showing precisely which states are getting funding. "I’m pleased to announce today that nearly 400,000 residents and businesses in rural communities who currently lack access to high-speed Internet will gain access within the next three years," said FCC boss Julius Genachowski in a statement. "Today’s action is just the beginning of our efforts to unleash the benefits of broadband for millions of homes and small businesses in unserved rural communities across the U.S. In today’s economy, broadband is a vital platform for innovation and opportunity, including jobs, education, and healthcare." Historically the problem hasn't been that there hasn't been subsidies thrown at phone companies, it has been that the government hasn't done a very good job in tracking how that money was spent. The result has been billions in subsidies doled out to slush fund programs where the money may -- or may not have -- actually resulted in users getting connected. Hopefully the FCC does a better job on this front than they did during the earlier days of the scandal-riddled e-Rate program.
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 |  |  pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And PrettyPremium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD | Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? said by Linklist:A big chunk of the NE & Mid-Atlantic states didn't get money, and seeing how wired they already are that is understandable. But I don't understand how Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi didn't get any money. Probably because they are red states.
Pay to Play, the Chicago Way.
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Romney 2012 - Put an adult in charge. | |
| | | | | Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? you left out technoLOGICally impaired. | |
| | | | Reviews:
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| Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? said by pnh102:said by Linklist: But I don't understand how Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi didn't get any money. Don't forget in those States when you say DATA... they use it in a whole different term as in... " Billy bob wha u think bout Elle may? Hell I wouldn't DATA if she was the las gurl on earth! " | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? You two are a couple of idiots. | |
| | | | | |  Lark3poPremium
join:2003-08-05
Madison, AL | Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? Agreed | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Lark3poPremium
join:2003-08-05
Madison, AL Reviews:
·Knology
| Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? said by buddahbless:Don't be mad because we have a sense of humor and you don't, look at those states history when it comes to any technology advancement and I mean as a state in whole (Not just the major cities) and judge for yourself...
Hey I'd like to see those states get broadband just like any other ( as all are equal) but the problem lies with in those states.
Bigotry was so last century... | |
| | | | | | | | Reviews:
·Charter
| said by buddahbless:Don't be mad because we have a sense of humor and you don't, look at those states history when it comes to any technology advancement and I mean as a state in whole (Not just the major cities) and judge for yourself...
Hey I'd like to see those states get broadband just like any other ( as all are equal) but the problem lies with in those states.
And what problem would that be? The fact that they are red? You liberal types always make me laugh. A persons political leaning makes them intelligent according to you. No wonder you are such unintellectual sheep who make such obtuse comments.
And before you begin, I come from a family of certified geniuses.
Also, if you ever read history instead of making 'jokes', you'd know that their history came because before the civil war, the north became industrialized, while the south was behind. The war became about slavery because that was something the north could easily throw away while for the south, it was a huge economical disaster.
The war was the souths method of preserving themselves. Of course afterwards, killing Lincoln hurt the rebuilding process, and the south hated the 'carpetbaggers', who were people simply trying to rebuild and make the south into an industry, so there is lots of blame to go around.
With all of this said, anybody smart would tell you that it's not what you have or where you came from, it's the effort you put behind things that gets you places. Blaming people for political leanings or history for what goes on today is an insanely preposterous thought.
Next time you want to make jokes, why not save it and learn something for a change? | |
| | | | | | | | | Reviews:
·AT&T DSL Service
·Verizon Online DSL
·Comcast
·T-Mobile US
| Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? said by Metatron2008:1) And what problem would that be? The fact that they are red? You liberal types always make me laugh. A persons political leaning makes them intelligent according to you. No wonder you are such unintellectual sheep who make such obtuse comments.
2)And before you begin, I come from a family of certified geniuses.
3)Also, if you ever read history instead of making 'jokes', you'd know that their history came because before the civil war, the north became industrialized, while the south was behind. The war became about slavery because that was something the north could easily throw away while for the south, it was a huge economical disaster.
4)The war was the souths method of preserving themselves. Of course afterwards, killing Lincoln hurt the rebuilding process, and the south hated the 'carpetbaggers', who were people simply trying to rebuild and make the south into an industry, so there is lots of blame to go around.
5)With all of this said, anybody smart would tell you that it's not what you have or where you came from, it's the effort you put behind things that gets you places. Blaming people for political leanings or history for what goes on today is an insanely preposterous thought.
6) Next time you want to make jokes, why not save it and learn something for a change?
1)The problem lies with in the state(s) not the residents as a whole or did you just miss that fact. I NEVER ONCE stated the political parties of said states or said what party I'm loyal to, you presumably jumped to that as a conclusion not something a well educated person should do. I only referenced "southern hospitality" comical instances in a lightly mannered joking tone. Presumably something you know nothing of. Also before you start I've lived in states both blue and red, I also hold 1 bachelors 1 masters. I admit I do not have enough flexible time, resources, or energy to go for a Ph.D.
2) If so you would have debated this argument from both sides of the spectrum ( you only did once in your Inclemental reply) instead of one sided from jump. I also don't know many individuals who come from a family of geniuses as you say that can only come up with there beginning statement uttering the word.. Idiot.
3) I know my history very well thank you, I've taken various courses many yrs ago, also there in lies the truth as you yourself have pointed out that the southern states ( not all but most) like there way of life and were/are behind as that was/is there choice when it came to technological advancements.
4) Agreed blame goes both ways on that matter.
5) yes it is the effort you put behind things, howsoever for the sake of argument if you live in a state or area that makes no effort at all that is not the fiscal responsibility of the country as a whole,I nor any one will perpetuate misconceptions against the south but the blame will be shared collectively. If you or any individual that wholeheartedly thinks other wise, may he step forth and bring it to the attention of his state/area for a possible brighter future in areas that are lacking in terms of technical advancement .
6) Alas in closing for the next time I decide to make a joke that does not reference YOU as an individual or refer to your state or area ( as your in GA) You can feel free to not respond, or respond in a way that a well educated individual as yourself should , I bid you adieu with this Metratron ...
Yes, we are all different. Different customs, different foods, different mannerisms, different languages, but not so different that we cannot get along with one another, If you resist reading what you disagree with, how will you ever acquire deeper insights into what you believe? The things most worth reading are precisely those that challenge our convictions. This nation was conceived in liberty and dedicated to the principle - among others - that honest men may honestly disagree, and with that we can agree to disagree however not in a disagreeable manner. Buddah | |
| | | | | | | | |  DolganPremium
join:2005-10-01
Sun Prairie, WI
·Charter
| quote:
And what problem would that be? The fact that they are red?
The problem is that these States are the same ones that are passing Legislation to stop Muni-Broadband projects where the "Free Market" is failing to deliver...they just happen to be "Red" states.
quote:
Also, if you ever read history instead of making 'jokes', you'd know that their history came because before the civil war, the north became industrialized, while the south was behind. The war became about slavery because that was something the north could easily throw away while for the south, it was a huge economical disaster.
The war was the souths method of preserving themselves. Of course afterwards, killing Lincoln hurt the rebuilding process, and the south hated the 'carpetbaggers', who were people simply trying to rebuild and make the south into an industry, so there is lots of blame to go around.
BS. The Civil War was always about Slavery and the South's displeasure over the Missouri Compromise. The precursors for the War were the battles fought in Nebraska and Kansas by Abolitionists and Pro-Slavery supporters. As the North industrialized it ended slavery. The Southern Aristocracy chose to continue along the path of a Plantation Mentality, and remaining an Agrarian Society, in lieu of following the path to industrialization as it allowed them to keep their dominant position in Southern Society.
The so called "geniuses" in the South continue to try rationalizing their role in the Civil War by calling it "The War of Northern Aggression" instead of properly calling it "The War of Southern Secession to Maintain the Institution of Slavery"...so they can feel better about themselves and their ancestors.
quote:
With all of this said, anybody smart would tell you that it's not what you have or where you came from, it's the effort you put behind things that gets you places. Blaming people for political leanings or history for what goes on today is an insanely preposterous thought.
You should follow your own advice instead of being duplicitous/hypocritical and posting statements like:
quote:
You liberal types always make me laugh. A persons political leaning makes them intelligent according to you. No wonder you are such unintellectual sheep who make such obtuse comments.
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| | | | | | | | |  camaro92Question everythingPremium
join:2008-04-05
Westfield, MA
·Comcast
| said by Metatron2008:And before you begin, I come from a family of certified geniuses.
I wasn't going to touch this one because of barrage of intellectual language you are probably going to send my way but whatever.That line makes you out to be a pompous ass. I would say that is one of the most arrogant comments I have ever read on here, what the hell does that to do with with the price of tea in China?.
I thought we were here to help people and have friendly debates but lately its like a political bloodbath, who cares about red, blue, green, purple whatever. | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? People need to wake up and recognize the democrats and republicans are two sides to the same coin. They are all corrupt bastards that should be removed from office, and quite possibly the planet. | |
| | | | | | | | | | Reviews:
·Charter
| said by camaro92:said by Metatron2008:And before you begin, I come from a family of certified geniuses.
I wasn't going to touch this one because of barrage of intellectual language you are probably going to send my way but whatever.That line makes you out to be a pompous ass. I would say that is one of the most arrogant comments I have ever read on here, what the hell does that to do with with the price of tea in China?. I thought we were here to help people and have friendly debates but lately its like a political bloodbath, who cares about red, blue, green, purple whatever. I was expecting the guy to be the usual 'not from the south type', and start talking about my intelligence. Most conversations of north versus south end up with people not from the south basically calling southern people idiots.
The guy was a lot more respectable then I expected, and yes I did make myself look like an ass. | |
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MittTheTwit ... LOL...
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Splat | |
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| | | | decifal
join:2007-03-10
Bon Aqua, TN
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon Broadban..
| said by buddahbless:said by pnh102:said by Linklist: But I don't understand how Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi didn't get any money. Don't forget in those States when you say DATA... they use it in a whole different term as in... " Billy bob wha u think bout Elle may? Hell I wouldn't DATA if she was the las gurl on earth! " .... Sometimes I wish that we southerners was as stupid as some make us out to be... Ignorance is bliss, no? | |
| | | | | | Lark3poPremium
join:2003-08-05
Madison, AL | Re: Why dis some states get $0 ? Oh but it was a joke (see above) and it's your fault for not having a sense of humor... | |
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| | Reviews:
 ·ooma
·Optimum Online
 ·Verizon FiOS
| said by pnh102:said by Linklist:A big chunk of the NE & Mid-Atlantic states didn't get money, and seeing how wired they already are that is understandable. But I don't understand how Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi didn't get any money. Probably because they are red states. Pay to Play, the Chicago Way. Red states typically like the corrupt politics of incumbent monopoly/duopoly.. and that means less resources for deploying broadband that would chip away at revenue.. as more consumers gain HIGHER speed internet it generally means they will be LE$$ LIKELY to want to purchase phone and video (cable-tv subscription) from the same company trying to maximize revenue at the expense of the consumer. AT&T and Comcast lead the pack in this effort where the vast majority of RED states are served..
How many RED states passed laws protecting monopoly telco and/or cableco from 3rd party carriers vs blue?
Our country is geographically polarized politically.. the northeast and west (north) coast is generally blue, and almost everything else is red.. with rare exceptions.. and the flip from red to blue usually happens under extreme duress such as major recession, tone deaf republicans ignoring major social & political problems & being on the wrong side of them... garnering a "PROTEST VOTE" that wins a temporary political alliance.. for a democrat in vastly hostile territory.. Obama winning in 2008 was a major protest vote against republicans for their choice of candidate and the political policies of Geroge W Bush primarily on the economy (retail gasoline went from an average of $1.50 to $3.90 a gallon under his watch & we've been screwed ever since). | |
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| jimbopalmerTsar of all the Rushers
join:2008-06-02
Greenwood, MS
kudos:2 | Re: Why did some states get $0 ? When I moved to MS, a letter to the editor reminded voters that campaign signs are illegal on telegraph poles. They still think they have telegraphs!
When I install a copier, I install internet access at about 1/3 of the locations, they just never needed it before.
The largest part of my service area is covered by a WISP, (two guys who like to climb) no wired internet.
»www.netwirelessllc.com/services/map.php
The government initiatives all ignore what is in place and try to re-invent what is working. (They should be funding these two guys to do to US 61 and US 49W what they have done to US 49E)
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I tried to remain child-like, all I achieved was childish. | |
| | | | The money was offered to CARRIERS not STATES. So if none of the incumbent carriers in those states wanted the money, then the state didn't get any money. | |
| |  japPremium
join:2003-08-10
038xx | said by Linklist:But I don't understand how Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi didn't get any money. First you must understand the difference between a lineline ISP and a State.
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| | camaro92Question everythingPremium
join:2008-04-05
Westfield, MA | Yea my state got the shaft along with New Hampshire and Connecticut, but Maine Vermont and Pennsylvanian all get some.
Who knows the process how they determine which states need it and don't it's the government in there infinite wisdom. | |
| |  KrKHeavy Artillery For The Little GuyPremium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK | Because it would cost a whole lot more then $287 a location in those states.
A more likely reason is that they failed to get all the paperwork submitted.
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"Fascism should more properly be called corporatism because it is the merger of state and corporate power." -- Benito Mussolini
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| |  intellerSociopaths always win.
join:2003-12-08
Tulsa, OK | yes the 3 most rural states by a long shot didn't get any money... WHAT THE FUCK.
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"WHEN THE LAUGH TRACK STARTS THEN THE FUN STARTS!" | |
| | | | It's because Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi already leech enough tax payer dollars. They don't need any more.
Those states take out more money from taxes than they contribute. | |
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| | | | Re: Its not perfect but.... Yeah, but it should be done right. 1Gb/1Gb fiber, not some technology from the 80s | |
| | |  NightfallMy Goal Is To Deny YoursPremium,MVM
join:2001-08-03
Grand Rapids, MI
·Comcast
·Callcentric
 ·Site5.com
| Re: Its not perfect but.... said by Wilsdom:Yeah, but it should be done right. 1Gb/1Gb fiber, not some technology from the 80s
Fiber is not possible due to the price to terminate both ends of the fiber. More realistic expectations would be using existing copper technology since it is cheaper to put in. DSL wouldn't be something that I would recommend, but I would look to cable systems to provide service.
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My domain - Nightfall.net | |
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| | 3/768 looks to be what this 115 million gets you I believe that doesn't even meet FCC definition of broadband. Beggars can't be choosers I guess. | |
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| | 2 Counties in all of California? Stupid map, that doesn't tell me anything. How about a detailed map?
Two counties in the whole of California? We may never catchup on getting broadband to our citizens. | |
| |  NormanSPremium,MVM
join:2001-02-14
San Jose, CA
kudos:9
·SONIC.NET
·Pacific Bell - SBC
| Re: 2 Counties in all of California? said by io chico:Stupid map, that doesn't tell me anything. How about a detailed map?
Two counties in the whole of California? We may never catchup on getting broadband to our citizens.
Considering that AT&T and Verizon cover most of the state, and choose not to participate ...
I wonder which carriers in the two counties are choosing to participate?
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Norman
~Oh Lord, why have you come
~To Konnyu, with the Lion and the Drum | |
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| | Where is google? If rural broadband was a money-making proposition, wouldn't google already be doing it? | |
| | me1212
join:2008-11-20
Pleasant Hill, MO | Re: Where is google? Google is not looking to become a nationwide isp, they are looking to show/prove what will happen a city gets amazing and uncapped internet for its' citizens, businesses, and potential start up businesses. | |
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| | Expensive Isn't that about $287.50 per house? | |
| | | | Re: Expensive They mention this is the "1st phase" -- I would be surprised if it ends up being 3 times that. | |
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elray
join:2000-12-16
Santa Monica, CA | Foodstamp Nation We've already seen where most rural users don't want to pay even urban rates for broadband, so if what Karl whines is true, that "they'll face sky-high prices", this effort will be a dismal failure.
When broadband penetration fails despite massive subsidy, then what?
Will the government require that every household buy broadband, or will they just tax us for opting out? | |
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See 7 replies to this post | |
rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | West Virginia... This buys 4,600 routers for rural libraries in WV. | |
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 aaronwtPremium
join:2004-11-07
Woodbridge, VA | High Speed Internet???? The interactive map shows 3Mb/s/768Kbs speeds.
So 3Mb/s down and 768Kb/s up is considered High Speed?
Fifteen years ago I had 5Mb/s down and 1Mb/s up. That doesn't sound like very much progress. | |
| | | | Re: High Speed Internet???? I pay $56 a month for 1 meg down, 256K up on rural broadband and I'm glad to have it. My only other option is dial up since good ole ATT won't even think about offering DSL in my area. | |
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decifal
join:2007-03-10
Bon Aqua, TN
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon Broadban..
| so So, i'm guessing being I live in Dickson, TN i'm screwed as ATT has the death grip on our area and apparently won't let go of it even though they claim its not profitable to upgrade, yet not soo unprofitable to let go of it..
Sure as hell can't be the landline phones keeping them here.. Everyone and their uncles cousin has cell phones of some sort these days... | |
| | | Who is the ISP for SoCal? Who willing to bring broadband to rural areas? Time Warner Cable? | |
| | NormanSPremium,MVM
join:2001-02-14
San Jose, CA
kudos:9 Reviews:
·SONIC.NET
·Pacific Bell - SBC
| Re: Who is the ISP for SoCal? said by dragonman300:Who willing to bring broadband to rural areas? Time Warner Cable?
Anaheim? Isn't that AT&T?
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Norman
~Oh Lord, why have you come
~To Konnyu, with the Lion and the Drum | |
| | | Reviews:
·RoadRunner Cable
 ·Dish Network
·AT&T U-Verse
| Re: Who is the ISP for SoCal? Yes, But At&t and Verizon wont do it. That only left is TWC or newly ISP. My friend live on Tonner Canyon Road, Brea, CA (Close to firestone boy scout reservation) and he is depending on Wildblue for internet access. And he hated it. Hopefully he can get landline internet access soon.
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Curious about Sprint improved 3G and growing 4G LTE network? Then check it out at www.s4gru.com | |
|
 ctceoPremium
join:2001-04-26
South Bend, IN | As soon as... Frontier and CenturyLink finish deployment At&t/Verizon will suddenly have an interest in buying up this rural market. You watch. | |
| | | | Re: As soon as... I don't doubt it at all. If Frontier does a good job with that taxpayer money, Verizon will be knocking at their door in short order. The top Frontier executives will be bribed into selling that territory cheap and we'll be right back where we started - stuck with a carrier who invests nothing into maintaining the infrastructure (let alone improving it). | |
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| | Public Funds Since these cities and companies are using Public Funds to build and operate these networks- they should be required that they be OPEN Networks for any company wishing to provide service over them. The same as Electric is required, gas, and landline telephone. They all get $$$ from the gov't for those services- or have at one time to build out the network. But now you get all kinds of government money only to be able to shut out everyone and anyone.
Sounds like the FCC and the rest with these companies should be sued for giving out tax payer money but stopping tax payers from creating their own ISP to operate over the networks they already paid to build. | |
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Why did some states get $0 ?
