Thanks to tubebender for the heads up on this article.
Posted on 01/31/2011 8:33:07 AM PST by ShadowAce
Carlson Wireless and the Yurok Tribe hope to begin testing a new kind of Wi-Fi technology this week, bringing connectivity to a rural area where traditional Wi-Fi has difficulty operating.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted the Arcata-based Carlson Wireless an experimental license to operate its RuralConnect IP, a TV white-space band device that extends broadband service further than traditional Wi-Fi signals. The device uses a low frequency to transmit to locations within deep valleys or areas blocked by trees, according to the company.
”The reuse of this spectrum is a part of a much bigger rural broadband initiative,” Carlson Wireless owner Jim Carlson said. “We need to greatly improve our level of connectivity to address issues like the digital divide.”
The device operates through a spectrum of TV white space that Google co-founder Larry Page dubbed “Wi-Fi on steroids.” Traditional Wi-Fi requires a line of sight for devices, which requires the installation of large, and usually numerous, towers -- something that is better fitted to an urban environment.
Jim Norton, the tribe's broadband manager, said the new technology offers the tribe an opportunity to offer services and increase opportunities for higher education on the reservation without disturbing cultural sites.
”We all know that education is the way up in the modern world,” he said. “You can't get education
The tribe is installing three towers -- one that is 60 feet tall and two that are between 20 and 30 feet tall -- in addition to making minor changes to its three existing towers.
”We have some really rugged areas and we're going to put it to the test,” Norton said.
Norton estimated that 90 percent of residents have little or no access to the Internet. In an area where some residents do not have access to telephone service or electricity, this technology will put the tribe on the cutting edge.
Carlson Wireless spokeswoman Karol Andersson said the new technology is allowing Carlson Wireless to further contribute to rural communications, which has been the company's focus for more than a decade.
”This is a technology that will shine in the rural market, which is our niche,” she said. “Jim Carlson is emerging as an expert on the reuse of this spectrum for broadband. He is regularly asked to make presentations around the country to educate potential users of this spectrum.”
Last Thursday, the FCC announced which companies would be responsible for monitoring the white space so that it doesn't interfere with TV users. Carlson said this is a crucial step toward opening the commercial market, which is expected to happen around early May. The FCC named nine companies, including Carlson Wireless partner Spectrum Bridge Inc.
With the help of Geoffrey Blackwell, head of the FCC's Office of Native Affairs, Carlson Wireless also received its license Thursday.
Dan Rumelt, a senior policy advisor for Blackwell's office, said the recently formed office is dedicated to increasing connectivity in tribal lands and native communities, which experience low levels of communications services.
”It is good to know that the experimental use license granted to Carlson Wireless will help bring new Internet services to the Yurok Tribe,” he said.
Although the device is not yet able to operate commercially, the FCC license allows the tribe to be the first to use this technology through Carlson Wireless.
The tribe had already been making plans to increase its Wi-Fi connectivity in the community before learning about Carlson's new technology.
”The new technology of the white-space radios has allowed us to be less intrusive but also more sure of being able to reach more people than ever before,” Norton said.
Thanks to tubebender for the heads up on this article.
This is an incomplete review. Where is this taking place ? Where is this tribe? There are hundreds of tribes in this country. What state ? if Canada what province ? Poatings like this drive me nuts. There are too many lose sight of the fact that they are reporting to the world not to their immediate locale.
What is more important, the location or the Technology? FYI this reservation straddles the counties of Humboldt and Del Norte in northwestern calif on the Klamath River...
sounds like Nor Cal
I figured this was Alaska.
Paper belongs to :
MediaNews Group - Northern California Network
“What is more important, the location or the Technology? FYI this reservation straddles the counties of Humboldt and Del Norte in northwestern calif on the Klamath River...”
Even the tech end is not coversd because it doesn’t cite for compaisons sake the frequwency bandwidth being used, (sources fault)and after after sourcing this piece this comes from a Florida paper.
FCC moving forward with “super Wi-Fi” proposal
Wonder why Clear is not one of the companies?
Correct. I went to school up that way (northern coastal California) with Yurok and Hoopa kids in Del Norte County.
Fish Hawk: Yurok ping.
I know- we’ve spoken many times before. I lived in Gasquet and went to school in Crescent City. How you doin’?
Redway
Nice country. I used to pass through there often. Haven’t been up that way in about a decade though I’m afraid.
Sounds nice. Makes me a little homesick.
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