Broadband of Brothers

Same blog name with a new mission

Russ Steele

If you look closely the tag line of the Broadband of Brothers has been changes to reflect the new mission. We have retired the ERC Telecommunications Resource Committee title,  and given this group of volunteers new direction as the Nevada County Community Broadband Leadership Council.  Steve Monaghan, County CIO, has agreed to lead the NCCBLC.  We will be posting our meeting agendas and minutes here,  and any notices that pertain to acquiring more broadband communications coverage in Nevada County.

All citizens are welcome to our meetings and volunteer to work on specific working group as we redefine our charter and focus on making sure everyone that wants broadband access can have it at competitive prices with other communities.

See you at our next meeting.

Nevada County Community Broadband Leadership Council

Russ Steele

Here is the agenda for the  Nevada County Community Broadband Leadership Council meeting today.

March 21st, 2008
3:00PM Rood center, Empire Room

Introductions - All

Group History and Sponsorship – Russ
http://www.ncerc.org/blog_bbb.php

California Broadband Task Force and Report – Steve
http://www.calink.ca.gov
California Emerging Technology Fund http://www.cetfund.org
Community Partners http://www.communitypartners.org
California Community Technology Policy Group http://www.cctpg.org
Broadband Institute of California http://www.scu.edu/law/bbic/

SEDD Aggregated Broadband study project – Steve
http://www.sedd.org 

Nevada County broadband issues – Steve
http://www.ncerc.org/wireless.php
http://www.ncerc.org/documents/2007-09-19-RCRC-Broadband.pdf

Group Focus – Mind map - open discussion

Project identification – open discussion
Opportunities, needs
What can we really accomplish
Next steps – open discussion
- Volunteers
- Assignments

Next Meeting - Steve

Telcom Update and New Direction

Russ Steele

The ERC Telecommunications Resource Committee is taking a new direction, and I will be passing the leadership to others. We have not met for a long time as we did not have a specific mission that I believed could produce come concrete results. I did not want to meet, just to be meeting. Now that the California Broadband Task Force Report: The State of Connectivity has been published, it is time to revisit the broadband issues in Nevada County.

Recommendation Number 7 in the CBTF is to form a Community Broadband Leadership Councils. The ERC Executive Boards has agreed with a recommendation that we reconstitute the Telcom Committee as the Nevada County Broadband Leadership Council.

Steve Monaghan has agreed to lead the NCBLC and will be holding an initial meeting on the 21st of March at 3:00PM, Empire Room at the Rood Center.  If your are interested in more broadband in Nevada County please come and support Steve and the NCBLC.  I will continue to participate in the NCBLC activities, and look forward to Steve's leadership.

Here is more information on Recommendation #7:

Community Broadband Leadership Councils: It is vital to spur local leadership that increases demand for broadband in unserved and undeserved communities. Currently no organized forum exists for these communities to developa business case for broadband; however, a statewide-public private
partnership could create this mechanism and facilitate both the creation of Community Broadband Leadership Councils (CBLCs) and the sharing of information across CBLCs. Individual CBLCs located in unserved and underserved communities and comprised of local residents who are passionate about broadband can articulate that the level of demand is substantial enough to warrant investment
by providers and develop the business case for broadband deployment. CBLCs can identify potential anchor tenants, critical infrastructure, state or local infrastructure, partnerships with surrounding communities, and residents and businesses who will commit to purchasing broadband. The CBLC model will be strengthened if representatives from each Council meet regularly, under the auspices of a formal
network, to share best practices and strengthen one another’s work. In fact, a similar model, pioneered in Kentucky, has a proven track record of success.

A typical CBLC, staffed by passionate, committed local champions will publish a business case for the local community and a set of lessons learned that other communities may use to develop financial models supporting broadband deployment. Examples of CBLC activities include: convening public discussions to assess infrastructure needs and explore broadband opportunities; holding farm demonstration projects for on-farm voice, data and telemetry applications; and developing presentations that examining water-management systems, on-farm mesh networks, and community public safety projects.

SmarterBroadband to the Rescue

Our son was visiting us for the holidays. His job requires that he keeps in touch with his company every day via VPN (virtual private network) on the Internet. His attempts from our house failed, he could not make a connection. If he could not "check-in" periodically, he would have to leave and return to the Bay Area. After some investigation, my son and I guessed that something in the SmarterBroadband connection might be blocking the VPN connection. I sent a email to SmarterBroadband describing the problem and asking for help. This was late on Sunday afternoon. I was hoping for a reply Monday morning. Much to my surprise, we got a telephone call from SmarterBroadband shortly after I sent the email. They spent almost an hour on the telephone with us diagnosing the problem. They were able to make changes in their network so that my son could make his VPN connection that same evening. We were all quite relieved that we could spend the holidays together thanks to the outstanding customer service from SmarterBroadband.

A Plethora of Possibilities

We are in one of those low-density, rural areas that nobody wanted to serve. Until now. We had almost completed our first year with WildBlue satellite internet when Smarter Broadband came into the area and we signed up with them. Two months later, AT&T announced that DSL was available. All of a sudden there is a plethora of possibilities and the price is coming down. What's next? Cable? This is a Broadband Brother's dream. Don't wake me.

We are on our own

Russ Sleele

The big telcom providers are not interest in small markets. We are on our own to develop a muni network.
Details here.

Governor is inviting input on Broadband.

Russ Steele

Invitation To All City and County Government Staff

Governor's Broadband Task Force Round Table Meeting

Executive Order S-23-06

"Expanding Broadband Access and Usage in California"
 
Thursday May 17th, 10:00AM to 11:30AM

Sacramento Convention Center, Room # 203

Register here.

Good news for rural users, if adopted

Russ Steele

FCC Testing Web-Over-Airwaves Device
Tuesday March 27, 6:15 pm ET
FCC to Issue Findings in July on Whether Unused TV Airwaves Can Be Used for Web Service

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Communications Commission is expected to release findings this summer on whether a new device can deliver high-speed Internet service over unused airwaves without disrupting television programming.

Details here.

New Broadband Beacon

Russ Steele

The Governor's Broadband Task Force has developed a new web site to keep the Task Force Working Groups and the public up to date. Here is the URL: http://broadband.calit2.net/

Jeff Newman our BTF contact wrote:

The Task Force had its first meeting on January 18, and will have their next on March 20.  During the first meeting they officially approved the creation of Working Groups.  Over the last month we have been working to build out these groups.  An email went out to all working group members and working group chairs last week and they will all have their first meeting on or around March 1.  The Task Force is nearing completing of its Preliminary Report to the Governor's Office.  The Preliminary Report, unlike the Final Report, is only to the Office of the Governor which has the discetion to release it publicly.

Telecommuting discussed in Union Article

Russ Steele

“Working from home a pleasure for local citizens”

Jill Bauerle reports that Telecommuting eases traffic, December 28, 2006

I add some thoughts on telecommuting in my blog.

Digital Communities Magazine

Russ Steele

Digital Communities online portal is a comprehensive information resource for the public sector focused on wireless and other emerging technologies that are vital for the continuing success, safety and vitality of 21st century communities. Here you will find latest news and reviews of emerging technologies, success stories and best practices and a forum to engage with the technology vendors and your peers to share and learn.

Union article on local Wi-Fi

Russ Steele

In today's Business Section of The Union.

Laura Brown writes, Keeping in touch using Wi-Fi, December 12, 2006

I have some additional comments on Laura's article at NC Media Watch.

Rural folks lose again!

Russ Steele

What disappointment. The folks that need broadband access the most get ....... (you add your favorite term)  by the Governor again. The only rural person on the task force is a zoology professor from Humbolt  Most of the task force members come from cities with excellent broadband access by the phone and cable companies.  It seems the Sierra foothills should have at least one representative!   

Here is a press release on the Governor Broadband Task Force, read it and weep!

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments to the Broadband Task Force

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Ellis Berns, Rachelle Chong, William Geppert, Charles Giancarlo, Paul Hernandez, William Huber, Christine Kehoe, Wendy Lazarus, Lloyd Levine, Michael Liang, Bryan Martin, Timothy McCallion, Sunne Wright McPeak, Milo Medin, Peter Pardee, Peter Pennekamp, Debra Richardson, Rollin Richmond, Larry Smarr, Jonathan Taplin and Emy Tseng to the Broadband Task Force.

The Broadband Task Force will bring together public and private stakeholders to remove barriers to broadband access! , identify opportunities for increased broadband adoption and enable the creation and deployment of new advanced communication technologies.  In October, the Governor signed an Executive <http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/press-release/4575/>  Order to clear the government red tape for expanding broadband networks and to create the Broadband Task Force, which was expanded to 21 members earlier this month <http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/executive-order/4585/> .

"California is No. 1 in so many different things, whether it is biotechnology, stem cell research, protecting our environment, c! reating jobs or our university system. The Golden State must remain competitive in the telecommunication revolution so that we can continue to attract the best, the brightest and the most creative workforce in the world," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  "Broadband will help build California so we can grow our economy, create great jobs and stay ahead in the global marketplace."

More Smarter Broadband coming on line

Russ Steele

Paul e-mailed that the Smarter Broadband Banner Mountain Wireless Repeater installation was completed this afternoon. Smarter Broadband is temporarily sharing a T-1 service at their Banner Mountain site, but expect their own installation to be completed within the next few days.

Paul ran a broadband speed checks with the following results:

    Loaded 754,928 bytes in 3.806 seconds from 1&1 server.
    Your Results:      1587 Kb
    Odsplus:        247 Kb
    Bellsouth:      1979 Kb
    Avg. Results:      2298 Kb
    Charter:      2487 Kb
    Metlife:               3102 Kb
    Comcast:      4228 Kb

This is good news for the folks who cannot get DSL. 

Adam has promised an upgraded to their coverage chart. I am hoping it will be available as soon as testing is complete.

November WiSac Coalition Meeting

Russ Steele

The Next WiSac meeting will be Thursday November 9th.
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
City of Rancho Cordova
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
American River Room, North, First Floor

The WiSac Coalition Meeting Agenda

Introductions

Governors Executive Order for Broadband for CA

Daniel Scharre, Consultant with Wireless Silicon Project

“Wireless Vision” community guide

New Criteria for Sponsorship

WiSac Website “Members Only” – Draft RFP

WiSac Advisory Committee

Next Meeting

Adjourn

I will be in Mendocino on the 9th, if any readers go to the meeting please take notes and let us know the results.

Gov. Supports broadband. Is help on the way? Maybe!

Russ Steele

The Governor's Executive Order is a positive step in making sure that everyone in Nevada County who wants broadband can get it. That is if we do our part and participate.  It is opportunity for Grass Valley and Nevada City to become work anywhere cities. You can read the whole order here.  Below are the highlights.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Executive Order to Help Make California the
Leader in Telecommunications Revolution

Fulfilling his commitment to digitally connect California's cities to
each other and the world, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed an executive order
to clear the government red tape for building broadband networks, ensure
all government agencies are using the best technologies to serve the
people and creates a broadband task force that lets experts from
government and business work together to identify and eliminate
obstacles to making broadband internet access ubiquitous in the state.

ooo

Highlights of the executive order include:

    * Establishing a broadband task force to recommend additional steps
      the Governor can take to promote broadband access and usage.
    * Designating one agency?Business, Transportation & Housing
      (BT&H)?as lead coordinator for implementing the state?s broadband
      policy, to help ensure cohesion, speed and efficiency.
    * Directing BT&H to create a database linking private broadband
      companies with state transportation agencies, permitting companies
      to better coordinate fiber optic installation, leading to more
      consumer choice and efficient pricing.
    * Establishing a pricing policy for private companies paying for
      ?rights-of- way? access to state roads. Previously, charges to lay
      fiber varied widely?the order sets pricing based on actual costs
      incurred by the State.
    * Calling for streamlined, expedited rights-of-way permitting
      procedures to accelerate broadband deployment.
    * Directing BT&H to collect and analyze current broadband
      information so the state can accurately map existing resources.
    * Directing the Department of General Services to make wireless
      Internet access available in State buildings and increase video
      streaming to deliver public meetings, training materials and other
      state resources online.
    * Directing state agencies to enable Voiceover Internet Protocol
      technologies for business and government use, and include
      broadband conduit in their infrastructure planning.

Read the whole order here.

What is Western Nevada County’s spending on muni networks?

Russ Steele

From C/Net News:

More than $3 billion will be spent during the next four years to build and operate public wireless networks for U.S. municipalities, according to a new research report by MuniWireless.com.

Interest among U.S. cities and counties to deploy their own public wireless networks is exceeding earlier expectations, said Esme Vos, founder of MuniWireless.com, which tracks the muni-wireless market.

Last year, MuniWireless.com predicted that cities and counties would spend about $177 million in 2006 to build wireless networks. But the actual figure is much higher--about $235 million will be spent in 2006 on these networks, according to the new report.

Full report here.

Are we being left behind? 

Broadband for all rural citizens

Russ Steele

Phil Carville, President, Carville Sierra, Inc., who is developing the Loma Rica Ranch project writes that the Saturday New York Times has a good Op-Ed on the need for rural broadband. 

Any serious discussion of the future of the Internet should start with a basic fact: broadband is transforming every facet of communications, from entertainment and telephone services to delivery of vital services like health care. But this also means that the digital divide, once defined as the chasm separating those who had access to narrowband dial-up Internet and those who didn’t, has become a broadband digital divide.

I was reading Jeff Pelline’s column this weekend and thinking, yes reading newspapers online works if you are a broadband users, but what about all those dialup customer who cannot get broadband.  They have become part of our own digital divide, religated to reading the dead tree version of The Union.  I have not tried the eUnion on dialup, but I will bet it is really slow.  Can anyone answer that question?

All the NYT Op-Ed is here.

Your TV is ringing

Russ Steele

Those readers truly interested in the future of telecommunications and the convergence between telephone, video and data, might want to pick up the October14th-20th Issue of The Economist. It has a picture of "Dear Leader" on the cover. Ignore the "Dear Leader" and read the Special Report on the Future of Telcoms.

Latest Broadband Coverage Map

Russ Steele

The latest version of the broadband coverage map can be downloaded here.  The County GIS department updated the map, based on information the  Telecommunication Resource Committee provided. This is the best available information, but it may not be the most complete information. If you have better sources of information, please share it with the Telcom Resource Committee.

I want to thank Amber Beckler, GIS Technician, Nevada County IS Department for her fine work on this new map.  Also, Chip Carman at Spiral Studio for hosting and posting the map. 

Jeff Pelline, the Union's new editor is planning some comments on broadband in his column this Saturday. Be sure to check out his column, he is a former CNET Editor and talented techie.

WiSac Broadband Coalition Update

Russ Steele

The Wisac Coalition will be meeting on Thursday October 19th, at 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. More details on WiSac here.

Lake Forest Technology Park
101 Parkshore Drive
Folsom, CA 95630

The WiSac guest speaker is Brian Moura, Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Manager, City of San Carlos. Brian was instrumental in the Wireless Silicon Valley project. He will be available to answer questions regarding the WiSac project.

Please RSVP to John Ramos, SCV Network President, if you plan to attend. His number is 530 620-7471. His e-mail is: john@scvnetwork.org

More details on WiSac

Russ Steele

WiSac is a project to plan, fund, develop, select, build and test an interoperable and ubiquitous Metropolitan  and rural broadband wireless network, for the Sacramento region that provides voice, data and video  streaming services utilizing current best-of-breed technologies available under a 24x7x365 availability criteria.

WiSac includes nine counties – Butte, Sacramento, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba and over 30 municipalities.

Grass Valley and Nevada city are listed in the cities to be served. The full fact sheet is here in pdf.

Nevada County WiFi Coverage?

Russ Steele

The SAC Bee had an article on this proposal to cover portions of Nevada County with WiFi. Details in this press release.

More details on Smarter Broadband

Russ Steele

Smarter Broadband was mentioned in Laura Brown’s Union article, but there was no contact information.

Adam Brodel called, he was looking for ways to get his coverage map published for Smarter Broadband wireless Internet, which has service areas along McCourtney Road, Lime Kiln, Wolf Road, Garden Bar, Perimeter Road, a large section of Hwy. 49, Combie Road, North Auburn. Check out the map below or the one on his web site and then give him a call at 530-268-8289, if it looks like you are in the coverage pattern.

Click for a larger image.

I will try to get his map included on the ERC coverage map as well, along with the future DSL sites.

Speed Test

Russ Steele

If you need to test the speed of your connection, here is an awsome tool from Speedtest.net that tests both up and download speeds.

Nevada County wants broadband

Russ Steele

Our purpose is to provide sources of information on broadband access in Western Nevada County. We encourage readers to post information, or questions in the comments, which they think will be useful to citizens who are currently struggling with broadband access problems. Readers can also send an e-mail to info@ncerc.org with questions, suggestions, or broadband information to share.