CenturyLink Expands Broadband in Tacoma

CenturyLink, Inc. a gigabit deployment leader in the U.S. and Washington, is continuing to expand its broadband service with speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) in Tacoma, recently surpassing 36,000 households in the area.

“Reaching 36,000 homes marks a positive milestone in CenturyLink’s progress to become the next-generation technology provider for the South Sound,” said Sue Anderson, CenturyLink vice president of operations for Washington state. “This milestone builds on our ongoing commitment to provide this thriving city with the latest technology for communication, innovation and entertainment. We’re invested in the area and will continue to build out across Tacoma for quite some time.”
 
CenturyLink is using fiber-to-the-home technology to provide speeds up to 1 Gbps, equivalent to 1,000 Mbps, allowing users to stream high-definition video content with little to no delays and download movies, songs and TV shows in seconds. CenturyLink has also made fiber-enabled gigabit service available to thousands of business locations in the greater Tacoma area. Gigabit speeds are helping businesses increase productivity and efficiency while working in the cloud, sharing multimedia files, streaming video content and backing-up data in real-time. In addition, CenturyLink’s 1 Gbps service offers symmetrical speeds, allowing customers to upload information as fast as they download it.

CenturyLink has one of the largest fiber-enabled gigabit networks in the country and is an industry leader in the number of homes it has enabled with fiber technology capable of uploading and downloading information at speeds up to 1 Gbps. The company offers gigabit Internet service to residential and small business customers in parts of 17 states and expects to have more than 700,000 homes across the country enabled with gigabit service by the end of 2015.

The Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Council recently presented CenturyLink with this year’s Chairman’s Award for deploying FTTH technology and  making high-speed broadband service up to 1 gigabit per second available to communities throughout the U.S., including underserved areas.

Residential customers can purchase 1 Gbps service for a monthly recurring charge of $79.95 with a 12-month term commitment and when bundled with additional, qualifying CenturyLink services. In addition to speeds up to 1 Gbps, some customers may be eligible for speeds up to 40 and 100 Mbps. Customers should contact CenturyLink to see what speeds are available to them. They can also go to www.centurylink.com/gigabit to find out if broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps are available in their location and request an email notification once network upgrades are completed in their area.

Congressman Adam Smith's Technology Issues Update

News from Congressman Adam Smith
November 21, 2011
Technology Issues Update

USDA Announces Funding to Expand and Improve Broadband Services in Rural Areas of Washington State

Last week, the United State Department of Agriculture announced it will be providing funding for telephone utilities to build, expand and improve broadband service in rural areas. Much of these funds will be used for “last mile” Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) broadband systems. These projects are critical to connecting new subscribers to high speed broadband systems.

For example, the Toledo Telephone Co., Inc. will receive $18 million in load funds to install 292 miles of buried fiber optic cables for their FTTP system. This will enhance service for all Toledo, WA subscribers.

“Expanding broadband infrastructure is great news for Washington’s rural families. Enhanced services helps rural businesses and entrepreneurs create job opportunities for people who want to live, work and raise their families in rural communities,” Adam stated.
More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.

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Technology Funding in FY 2012 Appropriations Agreement

Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012, HR 2112. Even in the current economic climate, funding research and technology is important for growing the economy and creating jobs. Here are some of the highlights:

· National Science Foundation: Provides $7 billion for the National Science Foundation, an increase of $173 million above FY 2011. NSF’s core research program is increased by $155 million to enhance basic research critical to innovation and U.S. competitiveness.

· Patent and Trademark Office (PTO): Provides PTO with $2.7 billion – the requested level and 29% above last year. These funds assist in streamlining the patent review system and help inventors move from an idea to creating a product more quickly.

· National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST is funded at $751 million, including an increase of $33.5 million above last year to support core NIST scientific research programs that help advance U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership to provide training and technical assistance to U.S. manufacturers is maintained at last year’s level of $128 million.

“Funding research and technology is crucial to our innovative and economic growth. Growth in the technology industry will increase our global competitiveness and foster a stable and growing economy,” Adam stated.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Linda Danforth, District Director, at: 253-593-6601 or via email at: linda.danforth@mail.house.gov

Interested in more information? Follow Adam online:
adamsmith.house.gov Facebook YouTube Twitter RSS

WA Broadband Summit

Industry, community and government leaders will meet for an informative and interactive one-day event to explore broadband access and adoption in Washington State.
Interactive afternoon sessions will allow broadband stakeholders to discuss important issues, and vote on the preferred strategy and policy directions that Washington State should take on critical broadband-related initiatives. Make sure your voice is heard in the broadband arena!

Just announced! Featured speakers and panelists confirmed to date include:

~ Mr. Marc Berejka, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
~ Mr. Erik Garr, General Manager, National Broadband Plan, Federal Communications Commission
~ Mr. Mario Villanueva, State Director, Rural Development, US Dept. of Agriculture
~ Mr. Dan Reed, Corporate Vice President, Technology Policy and Strategy, head of eXtreme Computing Group (ECG), Microsoft
~ Mr. Ari Steinberg, Engineering Manager, Facebook
~ Mr. Jeff Goltz, Chair, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
~ Mr. Edward Wright, Wireless Data Solutions Engineer, Verizon Wireless
~ Mr. Mark Anderson, CEO, Strategic News Service

View the complete event agenda online!  Register soon, as seating is limited!

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 15 - 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE:  Microsoft Conference Center, Redmond
REGISTRATION: 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. (continental breakfast provided)
RECEPTION: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
COST: Only $40, which includes lunch
Register Now! 

New! Follow Washington Broadband (WABroadband) on Twitter for the latest updates!

Questions? Email Alisha Reitan.

Comments Open on 2nd WAve of Broadband Applications

Washington’s Department of Information Services informs us the state’s 2nd wave broadband stimulus review process begins today.

You have an opportunity to submit written comments about an application submitted by a Washington company or organization for federal funding under the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology and Opportunities Program (BTOP).

Here is the link to NTIA’s Database of BTOP Applications:

The Deadline is 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT COMMENTS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE TIME PERIOD ALLOTTED WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN WASHINGTON’S STATE BROADBAND REVIEW PROCESS.

Comments are limited to the scope of the questions below. Any comments that exceed the scope of the questions will be redacted and disregarded.  The questions are:

1. If overbuild is an issue, then the commenting party should provide information on the adequacy of service to that area. Please describe in detail the services provided today, or any future plans to provide service, including but not limited to the location, speed, and price of such service and the community anchor institutions currently served or not served.
2. With respect to the adequacy of the application, please provide a detailed explanation about how the application meets or does not meet the requirements of the 2nd wave broadband stimulus NOFA.

You are limited to 5 pages, on 8x11 paper, double-spaced; not including the cover page. Any additional pages will be removed from the review process.

The cover page should provide the following information:

• Name of Commenter
• Name of application you are commenting upon
• Date of your submission
• Contact person, email and phone number for any questions

Group Filings

Parties that decide to file as a group may file comments up to 10 pages, on 8x11 paper, double-spaced; not including the cover page. Please note that an individual commenting party may not also participate in a group filing. In that eventuality, the individual commenting party’s filing will be disregarded.

When comments are accepted, written responses must be either mailed with return/receipt or submitted by hand delivery to the attention of Angela Wu, Broadband Policy and Programs Manager at Department of Information Services, 1110 Jefferson St., SE, PO Box 42445, Olympia, Washington, 98504-2445. The office is closed by 5:00 p.m.

If you have questions about this Notice, please contact Angela Wu or 360-902-2983.

Broadband Focus of Commerce Meeting in Tacoma

The Washington State Economic Development Commission (WEDC) meeting in Tacoma will focus on the State's Broadband policy.

DATE: October 20
TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
VENUE: See venue change below:

Angela Wu, WA DIS Broadband manager will provide a briefing to the WEDC Infrastructure Working Group of the current state of broadband in the state. The expected discussion will cover mapping of broadband adoption, broadband ARRA applications and current legislation and funding.

This meeting is open to all interested parties. Please RSVP if you will attend.

More info on broadband is available on the Department of Information Services (DIS) website. All the latest and greatest is posted there in a timely manner.

Our apologies for the last minute change, but the venue for tomorrow’s broadband briefing has been changed. New meeting information is as follows:

Date: October 20, 2009
Time: 10-11AM
Venue: The new location is Phil Lelli Conference Room
Port Admin Bldg.
One Sitcum Way
Tacoma, WA 98421.

This particular building will require badges as you enter the location. If you RSVP, we will notify the Port of Tacoma that you will be attending. Thank you.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS - FROM I-5 Northbound:


· Take the Portland Ave Exit (Exit #134)
· Turn LEFT onto Portland Ave
· At 3rd stoplight, turn RIGHT onto 11TH ST and go over bridge
· At the bottom of the bridge, make an immediate, sharp RIGHT turn before the railroad tracks
· At stop sign, turn RIGHT onto Milwaukee and go underneath bridge
· At next stop sign, turn RIGHT onto Sitcum Way
· Take immediate LEFT into parking lot


DRIVING DIRECTIONS - FROM I-5 Southbound:


· Take Exit #135 toward PORTLAND AVE
· Ramp becomes EAST 27TH ST
· At stop light, turn RIGHT onto PORTLAND AVE
· At 3rd stoplight, turn RIGHT onto 11TH ST and go over bridge
· At the bottom of the bridge, make an immediate, sharp RIGHT turn before the railroad tracks
· At stop sign, turn RIGHT onto MILWAUKEE and go underneath bridge
· At next stop sign, turn RIGHT onto SITCUM WAY
· Take immediate LEFT into parking lot

If you have questions, please contact Egils Milbergs or Noreen Hoban or call 360.586.5662.

Mandate or a Market

The CQ Today Midday Update reports that the Senate has joined the House in action to bolster Net Neutrality.

Net Neutrality is a policy of preventing broadband service providers from blocking certain traffic or establishing a tiered pathway for Internet content. The FCC's proposed mandates prohibit selectively blocking or slowing content and applications. For the first time, these provisions would also apply to wireless providers.

Supporters contend it would level the playing field for content providers. Opponents say it would hamper online innovation. Wireless providers are concerned they could not block voice calling services.

The Senate proposal is from Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-So. Dakota) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) is expected to cosponsor. The House effort is lead by Cong. Edward Markey (D-Mass.).

Fastest in the County

Today, Speed Matters released its third annual report on Internet speeds around the U.S.

So, what's fastest in Pierce County:

• Gig Harbor (98332): upload- 2,837 kbps; download-11,598 kbps
• Fort Lewis (98433): upload- 3,502 kbps; download-10,971 kbps

Want to see more, like your business or home speeds as measured by tests (number of tests varies), go to Speed Matters 2009 Report. Overall, 413,000 individuals chose to take Speed Matters speed test. You can on their website, an option on their reporting webpages.

So where does Washington stand? Answer: Above the U.S. average.

And where does the U.S. stand? Answer at 5.1 mbps download speed, good enough for 28th among industrialized nations.

Broadband, But...

The Washington State legislature has taken a tentative step to extend broadband access with its passage of HB 1701.

HB 1701 was written so that the state could capitalize on about $7.2 billion in the Stimulus Bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – ARRA) that is earmarked for broadband initiatives. The legislation says that if specific funding for the purposes of the act is not provided by June 30, 2009, in the omnibus appropriations act, the act is null and void.

Joining in the leadership effort was Sen. Jim Kastama, a recognized advocate in the state Senate for technology issues and technology-led economic development.

Does Broadband Boost ED?

A new study released by IEDC (International Economic Development Council) seeks to answer the question if broadband boosts economic development.

The study, "The Economic Development Impact of Municipal Broadband," by Craig Settles of Successful.com, is not a study of the economic impact of municipal broadband systems, but rather a survey of economic development (e.d.) professionals' opinions of the contribution of broadband to effective economic development.

The survey begins with the observation that "elected officials have abandoned their free-muni-WiFi (broad)bandwagons, weaker but wiser." Nevertheless, Settles says this survey supports his 2005 survey of e.d. professionals that broadband investments improve economic development. The targeted population came from the IEDC (International Economic Development Council) membership.

Here are some highpoints from the 22% of respondents that report having muni broadband systems businesses can access. Most often respondents said, to the question of broadband's impact:

• new businesses moved to the area: too difficult to measure
• existing businesses stayed: too difficult to measure
• local companies bettered: too difficult to measure
• more tourists visiting: too difficult to measure
• increase in large events: no impact
• revitalized business areas: too soon to tell

Overall, the majority of e.d. professionals believe broadband is a major tool, especially if targeted, that should lead to significant economic benefits. Wireless networks are cast in a negative light (he cites the WiFi network failures in 2007). And, Settles asks the obvious question: if the existence of broadband is not an economic development catalyst, how do e.d. professionals use this tool boost e.d.?

What’s Online for Broadband Stimulus

The feds recently posted on the Federal Register information about the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service plans for their allocation from the Stimulus Bill.

The NTIA was allocated $4.7 billion and the USDA $2.5 billion. The funds were expressly approved for “unserved” and “underserved” locations, but those terms remain undefined. Both agencies are looking for input to these definitions and other aspects NLT April 13.

Six public meetings were held, the last yesterday in D.C. Public comments still accepted.

A recent meeting of these agencies and the Federal Communications Commission produced these five goals:

1. Close the broadband gap in unserved and underserved areas
2. Leverage private investment
3. Create jobs
4. Upgrade connectivity to schools, libraries and other community anchor institutions
5. Stimulate broadband demand

The NTIA is instructed to allocate $250 million towards the Broadband Data Improvement Act for mapping and community initiatives, at least $200 million to expand public computer center capacity in libraries and community colleges and at least $250 million for programs encouraging broadband adoption.

An unusual feature of the allocation is $10 million for audits and oversight of all programs.

There will be at least one grant per state, made in three rounds. All allocations must be made by September 30, 2010.

Forbes: America's Most Wired Cities

Earlier this year, Forbes.com published one of its rankings again, repeated since 2007. This one: The Top 30 Most-Wired Cities.

In this one, Seattle vaulted to the top spot, helped out by a new criterion: wi-fi spots. While it is never certain what geographical area "Seattle" represents, this is good news, but with some challenging aspects. For instance, the most recent comment to the article scolds the writer for lacking in her research and citing Tacoma as "America's Most Wired City," a long-standing claim.

From a research perspective, we need to examine what these rankings are about. Forbes.com cites as its criteria:

• % of Internet users with high-speed connections
• number of companies providing high-speed Internet
• number of public wireless Internet hot spots

The last criterion is a new wrinkle in the Forbes.com rating mix. And, Forbes.com does give us their resources, even if they aren't publicly available, being proprietary.

Of note is the acknowledgement that Portland and Baltimore may deserve higher rankings due to Clearwire's super-fast wireless Broadband; but data lags (always). That's promising for Tacoma's ranking as Clearwire is busy here too. So we'll see what next year brings, especially with the FCC promise of "considerably more detailed" information on broadband access in coming months.

The comparison must be made with Tacoma's long-standing claim as "America's No. 1 Wired City." That claim is based on number of miles of broadband, stemming from the Click!Network municipal broadband development. That claim was bolstered by the competitive responses of Comcast and Qwest.

So, is Tacoma "America's Most Wired City"? Or do we need to heed the changing metrics of an evolving tech world?