Fast and consistent Internet access has become an essential service for business, government, education, medical and personal use. Getting that broadband access to all parts of the region, even the most remote has been a challenge. For the past year, Redwood Coast Connect, a program funded by a combination of state and local funds has undertaken a study to document the state of broadband access, needs and deficiencies throughout the north coast. The results of this study have now been compiled and a final report is due out soon.

The study has not been without controversy. With a budget of $500,000 some have suggested the money could have been spent in a more productive, practical way. The funds might have been used to actually solve some of the broadband issues in the area by investing in the infrastructure instead of compiling information most of us already know. But the Redwood Coast Connect study was not intended primarily for local consumption. Rather, its proponents contend, the purpose was primarily to document the current conditions and share that with the state and with Internet Service Providers who have an interest in improving telecommunications service in our area.

Additionally, our region was chosen as a pilot project and the Redwood Coast Connect process and results will be used as a model for studies in other regions, presumably resulting in expanding rural access throughout the state.

On February 2, the Redwood Technology Consortium is sponsoring a luncheon and panel discussion that will give the community an opportunity to learn more about the work that Redwood Coast Connect has undertaken. Panelists will include Steve Karp, Director of Redwood Coast Connect, Kathy Moxon Executive Director of Redwood Coast Rural Action (one of the funders of the RCC), and Tina Nerat of Neratech and consultant on the project. The luncheon will be held at the Plaza Grill Plaza Room in Arcata from 12-2 PM. For more information or to reserve a space see RTC’s web site (http://www.redwoodtech.org/luncheon-reservation).

One recent development in local broadband news is the announcement that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is planning on awarding nearly $8 million toward building a second fiber line between Interstate 5 and Eureka along the Highway 299 corridor. The money, awarded through CPUC’s California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) is 40% of the projected budget for building the line. This project, too, has drawn much comment from the tech community. Some have questioned the wisdom and economic viability of building a second fiber line now even though this has been a goal since the original single fiber connections was completed by AT&T. Others have commented on the lack of transparency of the CASF process and wonder about the accountability of public funds being used to help finance a commercial operation. Fortunately, Michael Brinskele, CEO of Broadband Associates (http://broadbandassoc.com), the company being awarded the funding, is planning on attending the February 2 luncheon so attendees will be able to address their concerns to him in person.

With all these issues at stake, along with the changes in telecommunications policies at the federal and state level the RTC luncheon should provide a lively discussion.

The Redwood Technology Consortium continues to spearhead understanding and best use of technology. For information on other upcoming events and projects including the first annual Northcoast Technology Conference scheduled for March 14 visit the RTC website at http://redwoodtech.org.

Bob Morse is a web developer, owner of Morse Media based in Old Town Eureka (http://morsemedia.net) and serves on the Redwood Technology Consortium board of driectors. He also writes a blog at http://talkingtech.net.

Copyright 2009, Eureka Times Standard Newspaper. The print version of this article first appeared in the 1/29/09 edition of the Times Standard.