Chapel Hill urged to oppose Senate broadband bill

BY DANIEL GOLDBERG : The Herald-Sun
Apr 14, 2009

CHAPEL HILL — For the second time in two years, North Carolina municipalities are being urged to push back against legislation that would make it more difficult for local governments to provide cable and broadband services.

The Chapel Hill Town Council will receive a citizen petition on Wednesday that asks for a resolution in opposition to Senate Bill 1004, the so-called “Level Playing Field” bill. Small business owner Brian Russell, the petitioner, believes that the bill essentially prevents municipalities from providing broadband services and stifles economic development.

Read more behind the Herald-Sun’s idiotic RegisterWall.

Ty Harrell sponsors anti-municipal Internet bill

ty_harrellNow that Time Warner Cable feels secure enough in its near-monopoly of high-speed Internet access to greatly raise its rates, it has turned its attention to strengthening its monopoly by effectively blocking any N.C. city from providing alternatives.

N.C. Rep. Ty Harrell of Wake County has sponsored just such a bill, known as House Bill 1252. Just when high-speed Internet users stuck with Time Warner Cable (or its partners such as Earthlink) were dreaming of one day having what our neighbors in Wilson have, Time Warner Cable seeks to take that away.

I know Ty and consider him a friend, so it makes it all the more distressing to know he’s sponsoring this. Please contact Ty and other representatives and let them know how you feel.

Also, if you can attend Wednesday morning’s N.C. Science and Technology committee meeting, please do so. And add the Save North Carolina’s Broadband site to your daily reads!

Raleigh buses add digital TV

Looks like the mystery Raleigh announcement for today is indeed mobile digital TV on a Raleigh bus. WRAL posted the announcement 10 minutes ago. According to the story, riders of Raleigh’s R-Line downtown circulator will be able to watch digital TV as well as get city updates and real-time information on bus routes. By August 2009 four CAT buses will also provide the service. The article also mentions “two-way” and “interactive” but doesn’t provide details about what this means. WiFi on the buses?

Reunited

Kelly and the kids returned yesterday afternoon. Boy, did I miss them! It was lonely around home for the past few days.

I took Rocket out to Lake Gaston Saturday afternoon and attempted to sail with him. He was a great sport and really seemed to enjoy checking out the lake and wildlife there. Unfortunately for us I had to be back in Raleigh in the afternoon, so our trip was cut short. At least he’s got his “sea legs” now.

This is my “busy week” this month, though my meeting don’t all line up the way they usually do. Ordinarily I’d have had my CAC meeting last night, followed by the Raleigh CAC tomorrow night, followed by my Parks meeting Thursday night. As this month’s third Monday happens next week rather than this week, my CAC meeting will actually come after my other meetings, rather than before like it usually does.

Sounds like a lot, I know, but I’m having fun!