Posts Tagged ‘ann-arbor’

Cooperative Internet

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

I’ve been researching what it would take to build a Fiber-to-the-Home solution to cover the areas that AT&T, Comcast and others refuse to service. Turns out the cost is actually not too bad.

The cost for running fiber appears to run around $26k/mile utilizing existing poles. Pole rent comes to around $5/year per pole. I’m making progress. If you happen to live near Scio Church and Parker and are interested in participating, please contact me.

It appears that homes can be connected for around $1000-2000 per home, and we could be break-even with a $50 price point (We would offer business services as well at a higher price, perhaps $150-200). These are all tentative numbers, as not all equipment and costs have been factored in.

The fiber could be installed for lower costs if homeowners dig their own trench across the property. This will allow conduit to be laid (which costs more than Aerial) but provides us the ability to access it easier.

You can also call me 734-408-1803 (google voice) any time to discuss your interest in this project.

Potential service areas include:

Parker Road, Liberty Road, Reese Lane, Oreo Court, Pinecross Lane, Wildwood Lane, Jerusalem Road, Musolf Lane, Malena Drive, Park Road, Country Road, Glen Court, Stiles Drive, Streiter Road, Honey Run Drive, Centenial Lane, Renz Court, Streiter Court, Lone Oak Drive, Tupelo Drive, Madrono Drive, Sitka Court, Morin Nature Circle, Gensley Road, Farm Lane, Waters Road, Duible Road, Ellsworth Road and Pleasant Lake Road.

a non-profit cooperative is the way to go, transparent finances, operation and the ability to learn computer skills from your neighbors!

I’m getting excited about the prospects the research is turning up.

Building the next generation residental internet

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Michigan is currently stuck in a backwater of internet access. There are parts that just managed to get basic telephone service in recent months (eg: Don’t Get Mad, Get ILEC) and the local consumers are stuck. If there is any area of sparse population you pass, that’s likely the firewall for real internet access.

Currently AT&T, Comcast and other providers are unwilling to step-up and invest in the infrastructure to capture these consumers. Local activities have been started, such as municipal/county and other wireless projects, but the unlicensed bands these utilize are blocked by trees and their leaves.

Getting the current generation of technology installed is going to require real effort on the part of consumers. Would you be willing to use a shovel to save costs? In norway you can get fiber to your home, and save $400 in installation fees by digging yourself [Dig your own trench, save $400]. With spools of fiber cheap (eg: 2km fiber for $150) this means the largest part of the expense is conduit and digging. Even the equipment runs around $200 for each end.

If you are in Washtenaw County and interested in solving this divide, I’m interested in hearing from you. If you are elsewhere in Michigan, please tell about what you’ve done to solve these challenges. It’s time to create a solution instead of living with 1970’s technology.