Gigabit Nation

[Tech glitch zapped the last 25 min. We're going to have a do-over and record that part again.] There’s a lot going on in broadband in Oregon. Communities such as Sandy are upgrading their infrastructure significantly, or planning their initial networks. Co-op are energized and several of them are planning to launch broadband initiatives. The rural telephone companies are providing creative solutions that are getting communities connected. Joseph Franell, General Manager and CEO of Eastern Oregon Telecom, discusses some of the opportunities and the challenges that communities face here in the state. Gigabit Nation is broadcasting live from the Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference, which draws statewide attendees to share ideas, experiences and knowledge about telecommunications. Franell and Gigabit Nation host Craig Settles highlight: some of the challenges with bridging the broadband divide in education;addressing the urban/rural divide;what is the "right" model to deploy gigabit networks in r