Those of us who already have high speed access have a tendency to get complacent about broadband issues until the next fiber break happens. But some have been working diligently to find ways to improve our telecommunications infrastructure, not waiting for the next disaster and knowing many areas of the region remain un-served or under served. In one fell swoop, one project may solve many of these issues. The California Public Utilities Commission appears prepared to award over $7 million to a company called Broadband Associates through the California Advanced Services Fund to build a second fiber line from I – 5 to Eureka along the Highway 299 corridor.
Other proposed projects such as the IP Networks was working on in conjunction with PG&E have not come to fruition. That project would have used PG&E towers closer to much less populated Highway 36 corridor and, as far as I know made no provisions for access point along the way. The 299 route is more difficult and more expensive but the project includes access for wireless providers to service communities from Blue Lake to Weaverville.
There has been some strong opinions expressed on the RTC mailing list about the wisdom and viability of this project and why we haven’t heard much about it until just now. I think many of the concerns over transparency and accountability should be address to the CPUC itself.
Yesterday I spoke with Michael Brinskele, CEO of Broadband Associates about their proposal. Michael has had an interest in our region for quite a while. He attended the last Broadband Forum and has been in discussion with CENIC and people from Redwood Coast Connect. Their application for the CASF funds has come after looking carefully at the region’s issues and opportunities.
From our conversation I felt he is quite aware of the challenges such a project holds both for the build itself and its economic viability. He believes Broadband Associates has a strong business plan to make this work. However, since there is still a great deal of planning to do before the February 20 deadline they are purposively not making any public noise about this project in order to not raise expectations or over promise. On the other hand he is pleased there is great interest in this project and has expressed to me an openness to any questions or concerns from people who would like to learn more. Those questions can be addressed to info@broadbandassoc.com. 
The Broadband Associates fiber buildout along Route 299 is faster and more reliable than internet over powerlines proposed by IP Networks. However, IP Networks is still trying to use its political muscle with PG&E to undermine the award made by the CASF by having the state support both projects for the federal Broadband Stimulus grants. If Northern California wants to get out of the back country woods for wired and wireless broadband service, we have to talk to our Congressmen, Legislators, DPUC, and Leaders to reach the federal NTIA (NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION & INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION) to show the public cares and prefers the fast speed optical fiber project for Highway 299 proposed by Broadband Associates before a decison is made based upon political muscle of the PG&E-energy lobby.