BBWN Bites: NTIA Keeps Pilot Broadband Map to Itself
Also today, Australia considers giving NBN penalties to the people, BT conquers Spanish government's contract, Prince Edwards Isle helps ISPs and Brits flunk cheesy broadband quiz.
Hey, the US has an updated broadband map, we hear -- but the public is not allowed to see it. On October 2, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration said it'll pilot to "test the map's functionality and expand it to other states." Congress told NTIA to create a new version of the "National Broadband Availability Map," and allotted funds for the map (which NTIA refers to as a geographic information system "platform for the visualization and comparison" of data sets). Here's a graphic of states that participated in the pilot of the secret map. (See Why Did FCC Kill NTIA's Broadband Map?)
NTIA's is not sharing the upgraded map with the public but did provide an image of states that participated in the pilot mapping program. (Source: NTIA)
Currently, if NBN Co.'s wholesale network is congested and performance suffers or a rep misses an appointment with an end-customer, the Australian operator pays a rebate (a.k.a. a penalty fee) to the service provider that connects the subscriber to NBN's infrastructure. But a rule now under consideration would give that rebate directly to the subscriber, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). "We have heard long-standing concerns from consumers about how frustrating, inconvenient and costly these issues can be," ACCC chair Rod Sims said, according to a Light Reading article. Indeed. (See NBN faces penalties but deeper issues can't be fixed.)
The Spanish government chose BT to upgrade its worldwide network, signing a €39.97 million ($43.81 million), three-year contract to connect Spain's embassies, consulates and trade offices. Along with traditional corporate buildings, the deal includes a polar research station in Antarctica and satellite-based connections to ten scientific research ships traveling around the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Prince Edward Isle's government plans to invest $10 million in the PEI Broadband Fund (PEIBF) over the next five years, and is now accepting applications from ISPs for projects the group approves. ISPs can apply for up to 50% of eligible costs of installation of infrastructure to enhance broadband services, the Journal Pioneer reported. More information and applications are available here.
Cats of the Internet
Sure, the Internet is full of cats -- but c'mon, what's cuter than a real kitten?
(Source: Pixabay)
Growing up in Derbyshire, it wasn't uncommon to hear that Brits cared for animals more than people. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore -- and don't even think about taking away their broadband, according to yet another dumb survey asking folks to chime in on "hat's more important than broadband?" In this case, half of Brits surveyed said decent broadband was more important than their life partner; 70% put broadband over Fluffy the Cat, Dudley the Dog or Harry Hamster. Thanks for that bit of news, TalkTalk.
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— Alison Diana, Editor, Broadband World News. Follow us on Twitter or @alisoncdiana.
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