The committee implements challenging projects that make a difference for improving telecommunications, implements on-the-ground projects that build infrastructure, educates residents and business on choices they have for telecommunications, and conduct outreach for our urban and rural communities in digital and newsletters formats.

November 3rd, 2006 

The communication committee met last Wednesday and made some progress. First, as far as mission goes the group is not going adopt a formal mission statement at this time but has endorsed the ideal of "Improving telecommunications". The committee wants to take on challenging projects that make a real difference in terms of actual on-the-ground projects (e.g., build infrastructure), educating residents and business on choices they have for communications, and develop ways to reach out to the community on the web (Hint Hint John Pohl) and on paper  (e.g., periodic newsletters).  

As for committee structure, its going to be kept simple at this time until more structure is needed. No bylaws and protocols have been needed to date and will not be until the committee hits a road block. Simply, interested people will meet periodically, taking on responsibilities as volunteers, and the committee will partner with entities (such as Madison County) to implement projects. Meetings will held when needed and the next meeting will likely be in early December.  

As for committee projects: 

Carol Delisi will move forward with developing a simple news letter that can be printed and posted on line. It will contain useful information. For example, Brian Curtis at Beacon Business get great cell coverage in the Valley and does not use Chinook Wireless but its compatible with their towers. Its a national firm and folks in the Valley need to know they have choices. Hopefully this will be one of the bits and pieces on communication that can be made available to help people choose. Another topic is the wireless corridor in Sheridan and how to be more involved with posting information on sheridanwired.com. (And by the way, if you have not been to this web site, you need to go!) The committee endorses the idea of improving cell coverage in the Ruby Valley. The primary goal is emergency services and secondary economic development.

The committee hopes to partner with Frank Fords committee and Madison County to improve cell coverage in places like VC. I will be working with Madison County folks to assess possibilities and Carol and Bill indicated they would start looking at rural utility grants, emergency services grants, and economic development grants. I will contact some private entities who may be interested in paying for the improvements. I hope Candace Clouse will give me had in this area.  

Your project right here!  All you have to do is participate. 

If you have any interest in these topics, please do not hesitate to participate.