2012 Community Access Capital Grant competitive grant round: The MHCRC is scheduled to make preliminary funding decisions at its May 21, 2012 meeting.

Comcast Cable Franchise Renewal: MHCRC staff and Comcast negotiators have reached agreement on a proposed renewal franchise, including community needs and public benefit elements. (about the franchise).

CENTURYLINK LAUNCHES LOW COST INTERNET SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO FCC

March 2011 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the merger of telecommunications carrier, Qwest Communications, and internet service provider, CenturyLink. With the approval the FCC imposed broadband deployment requirements to the merger which mimic those they applied to the NBCU-Comcast merger: CenturyLink must develop a broadband adoption program targeted toward low-income customers for about $10/month and develop digital literacy training programs. more

In response, CenturyLink launched its Internet Basics program.

In Oregon, to qualify for the $9.95/month program an individual would need to also qualify for one of the following assistance programs, Food Stamps, or Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Also: Participants can purchase an Internet-ready 'netbook' computer for $150, plus taxes, shipping and handling.
Consumers can find out more information about the Internet Basics program here or by calling 1-800-257-3212.

MEETING FCC REQUIREMENTS -- COMCAST LAUNCHES LOW COST INTERNET SERVICES

The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice approved -- with several conditions -- a merger of the country's largest cable operator, Comcast, and broadcasting company NBC Universal. As part of the merger, Comcast-NBCU is required to take affirmative steps to foster competition in the video marketplace.  In addition, Comcast-NBCU will increase local news coverage to viewers; expand children's programming; enhance the diversity of programming available to Spanish-speaking viewers; OFFER BROADBAND SERVICES TO LOW_INCOME AMERICANS AT REDUCED MONTHLY PRICES; and provide high-speed broadband to schools, libraries and underserved communities, among other public benefits. more

In response, Comcast recently introduced INTERNET ESSENTIALS to the Portland Metro Area. The service is designed to provide Internet access at a discount to families whose children qualify for free school lunches.

For only $10 a month qualifying families will receive download speeds of 1.5 megabits per second.
• Comcast is accepting new students in the program for the next three years; families can continue in the program so long as they pay their bills and have at least one qualifying student.
• Also: Participants can purchase a "netbook" computer loaded with Microsoft Windows' Starter edition for basic web surfing.
For More Details on INTERNET ESSENTIALS: Online, or at 1-855-846-8376 for English; 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

8.3 • Cable Franchise Public Benefits: A Decade of Community Investment
Watch the City of Portland Council presentation here.

7.26 • City of Portland Council Work Session on the Broadband Strategic Plan
Portland City Hall Council Chambers. more. Watch it Live.