LA – Steve Blum's Blog

LA asks for gigabit fiber and free service, but keeps its crown jewel off the table

8 April 2014 by Steve Blum
broadband, city of los angeles, community networks, ftth, gigabit, LA, ladpw, los angeles, public policy

Just the facts. Assets, not so much.

The City of Los Angeles has taken the next step in its quest to have gigabit class fiber optic service available to every home and business. An official request for information (RFI) has been released for the Los Angeles Community Broadband Network (LACBN), with a 30 June 2014 deadline for responses. It’s only a preliminary step towards formally requesting proposals for the project. It’s also optional – not responding won’t keep anyone out of the running when the time comes.… More

LA isn't playing with a full broadband deck

11 November 2013 by Steve Blum
broadband, community networks, ftth, LA, los angeles, public policy

Last week the LA city council endorsed a plan, written by the city’s IT chief, Steve Reneker, and sponsored by freshman councilman Bob Blumenfield to entice private investors into providing ubiquitous broadband coverage to 3.8 million people over nearly 500 square miles.

The city isn’t offering much, though. A ten year deal to handle some of the city’s internal IT and telecoms business is a possibility. So is access to relatively minor city assets – light poles and buildings were mentioned – and maybe a break on permit and approval fees.… More