Next-generation internet may be coming to Missoula, Montana

After nearly two years of discussion, the Missoula City Council seems to be ready to support a plan that would build a 100-megabits-per second internet network for the city.

Members of the council believe that this next-generation internet – based on a fiber-optic network – may be key to ensuring Missoula’s continuing economic growth.

by Jacqueline Quynh MTN News

Full Story: http://www.kpax.com/news/next-generation-internet-may-be-coming-to-missoula/

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Study finds Missoula city, county should spend $10M on broadband

Missoula city and county should spend an estimated $10 million to build a fiber-optic network that would help public agencies and businesses that need fast, reliable Internet services, according to a "next generation" broadband study released Tuesday.

Magellan Advisors issued the report, which was commissioned by the Bitter Root Economic Development District. The proposed network would link more than 50 public entities, including Missoula County Public Schools, the University of Montana, health care centers, and city and county facilities.

"How do we deliver 21st century curriculum to kids in our schools without 21st century infrastructure?" said Councilwoman Caitlin Copple, chair of the Missoula City Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee.

A presentation on the full report takes place at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Council Chambers, 140 W. Pine St. The seed of the report came out of the Economic Development Subcommittee.

By Keila Szpaller

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/study-finds-missoula-city-county-should-spend-m-on-broadband/article_414517ac-1786-11e4-8d52-0019bb2963f4.html

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Updates from other communities working to bring expanded broadband to their citizens:

Community Broadband Networks

Communities across America have built their own broadband networks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and fast networks. We tell their stories and defend their authority to build these networks.

http://muninetworks.org/

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Editorial: Bozeman officials wise to expand broadband capabilities http://www.matr.net/article-60895.html

Butte, Montana’s fiber optic line reels in first new business, Hoplite, to take advantage of new network http://www.matr.net/article-61236.html

Hundreds of Cities Are Wired With Fiber–But Telecom Lobbying Keeps It Unused http://www.matr.net/article-60890.html

Chattanooga, Tenn., Is Proof Municipal Broadband Works http://www.matr.net/article-60847.html

How the history of electricity explains municipal broadband http://www.matr.net/article-61636.html

Competition Pushes Possibility of Ultra-Fast Internet in More of U.S. http://www.matr.net/article-61619.html

Holding Back High-Speed Internet for the Poor’s Sake Just Hurts Everyone http://www.matr.net/article-61015.html