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Having few options for high-quality telecommunications service, Virginia's Roanoke Valley formed a broadband authority and is building an open access fiber-optic network with different options for ISPs to plug-in.
In addition to being our guest on Community Broadband [no-glossary]Bits[/no-glossary] episode 221, Frank Smith is the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority CEO and President. We discuss their various options for ISPs to use their infrastructure and the various services their network is providing, including access to conduit and dark fiber leases. We also discuss why they formed a state authority to build their carrier-grade network.
Though they have had some pushback from incumbents – something Frank seems unphased by in calling the Authority “the new kid on the block” – they have built local support by building relationships with local organizations like Blue Ridge PBS.
Read all of our Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority coverage here.
Read the transcript of the episode here.
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Thanks to mojo monkeys for the music, licensed using Creative Commons. The song is “Bodacious.”