by Bob | May 2, 2008 | Broadband/Internet, Local Tech Notes
That could be roman numeral four, but it could also be IV like in intravenous, as in fiber and other wired and unwired pathways for data which our body politic needs so badly to be healthy. OK, I’ve strained the analogy too much. In any case, if you’re interested in the health of the region’s telecommunications infrastructure, marke the date for Broadband Forum IV to be held August 22 21 at Fortuna’s River Lodge.
There should be plenty to discuss as Redwood Coast Connect should have assembled the data they have been gathering and be ready with a presentation. People will be reporting on state efforts to improve broadband services. And I have high hopes that by then at least one solid plan for an alternate fiber route will have been unveiled.
In a time when fuel prices continue to skyrocket, the Internet will become an even more crucial factor in economic and cultural development as more and more of our transactions will need to take place in the global data network.
by Bob | Mar 14, 2008 | Broadband/Internet, Local Tech Notes
Rich Ryan offered some exciting options in his presentation for the RTC last night. His company, Hunter Communications has a great deal of experience building fiber networks in rural areas. They seem to know the issues that confront a region like ours. They understand the physical and regulatory landscape. They also seem to be able to make economic sense out of building fiber in areas that are generally under served by the telcos.
Rich is also very community oriented and is open to partnering with anyone. He has an interest in expanding his operations in to Northern California. I am hoping we can get him started on some solutions very soon.
by Bob | Mar 12, 2008 | Broadband/Internet, Local Tech Notes
The Redwood Technology Consortium has invited Rich Ryan, CEO of Hunter Communications from Southern Oregon to speak at the monthly meeting tomorrow, March 13 at 5:30 PM. Ryan has built fiber networks in Oregon and is very interested in finding solutions for the North Coast.
Topics discussed will include:
* Hunter Communications background and current composition
* Development of fiber networks and the implementation of the Rural and
Metropolitan Area Network in Southern Oregon
* Vision for the Northern California Coastal Region and what a
regional fiber network could mean for businesses, municipalities and
other groups
* Hunter’s Plan for our region and how it fits in the “big picture”
Hunter Communications’ formed a creative public-private partnership model that leveraged pre-existing, school budgeted telecommunications funds to build a network infrastructure capable of handling regional demands, and currently servicing over 90 sites. Hunter’s efforts have resulted in unprecedented new communications and connectivity resources for a number of previously disregarded rural communities.
The meeting this month is at the Humboldt Area Foundation Conference Room. 373 Indianola Rd., Bayside.
by Bob | Mar 11, 2008 | Broadband/Internet, Local Tech Notes
The newly formed Humboldt Film and Digital Media Commission is holding a public meeting tonight to discuss state and the future of these arts in our region. The event starts at 5:30 PM at the Wharfinger Building. You can find details of the event on the Redwood Technology Consortium Calendar.
Update: There was a somewhat small but very enthusiastic turnout for this meeting. Of particular interest was a presentation by the folks putting on the upcoming Humboldt Film Festival. With a new venue, a whole lot more entries to choose from and some interesting judges it should be an exciting and eye opening event.
As for the Film and Digital Media Commission itself, it’s hard to know exactly where things will lead, but they seem to have a dedicated group with a vision for region as a center for film and digital media.
by Bob | Mar 4, 2008 | Broadband/Internet, Local Tech Notes
After some dire budget issues traumatized the City Council the proposed feasibility study that would give Eureka a basis for making intelligent decisions on telecommunications issues was put off once again. The motion that passed indicated that the project would be re-visited in six months. As if the budget will magically get better by then. Not with this economy, and not with state budget troubles that will roll downhill to cities.
However, they did also agree that the issue could be brought up again sooner if staff could find alternate sources of funding. It’s likely that these sources will be found, and I was surprised that these alternatives were not part of tonight’s proposal. So, we’ll see.
by Bob | Feb 13, 2008 | Broadband/Internet, Local Tech Notes
In spite of the what seems like huge sucking sounds coming from massive server farms and data centers soaking up electricity it appears, according to a new study, that the “net” affect of the growth of the Internet is a savings in energy usage.
“Indeed, all America’s servers – the computers that direct traffic on the Internet – and the systems that cool them use about 1.2 percent of the nation’s electricity, according to a study last year.”
“But it turns out that for every kilowatt-hour of electricity used by information and communications technologies, the US saves at least 10 times that amount, the new ACEEE report found.”
Good news! One more reason to invest in improved broadband infrastructure. Doing so will help energy efficiency thus reduce our impact on global warming and reduce our dependency on imported oil. Let the bit torrents begin!
