There is one other option available to folks in your situation. I spoke to Rural Nelson about this in 2003, when they were so frustrated about their inability to get broadband. Basically, you unionize.
If you can persuade a dozen neighbors to go in on it, you can order a high speed internet line, such as a T1. The phone company can install those anywhere, without the concerns of distance that exist with DSL. The catch is that they're expensive -- they require about a thousand dollars in hardware and they're hundreds of dollars each month. (Alternately, you can get a satellite connection, as you've gotten, which is less good but still totally usable.) You can run that line to one person's house, and outfit the houses in the area with wireless base stations ($30/each) and cantennas ($6/each) on the roof, creating a wireless network that joins all of the houses back to the original house. The bandwidth can be shared among everyone, with a per-household cost that can be as cheap as or cheaper than DSL.
You need somebody with a little technical know-how, of course, but it's a surprisingly straightforward thing to do.
Posted by Waldo Jaquith at July 9, 2006 11:22 PMScott
The IEEE standardon on Broadband over powerline p.1901 is due for publication at end 2006.
This should help unblock the rollout.
A lot of agenceis are wary of the technology because of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) problem. (ie it might interfere with your neighbours TV reception)
Posted by Frank al iralandi at July 9, 2006 11:52 PMBPL isn't the panacea that they're claiming. Powerlines are very bad transmission lines at the 2 - 83 Mhz that BPL uses for its carriers. They're designed to be efficient at 60hz!
The consequence is that the digital data must be carried on a fiber trunk, and 'injected' onto the power line for the 'last mile' or so. This means that BPL requires the SAME two-tier infrastructure as DSL or Cable: Fibre to the neighborhood, copper to the home. The only difference is the form of copper.
The cost of the 'fiber to the neighborhood' link is the limiting factor: Low density neighborhoods do not have an economic payback to the provider, so they won't get wired, period.
Good points all. Several of us here had indeed talked to Sprint about a T1, but in effect it seemed woefully expensive - and we were't bunched in tight enough to share it. As for sharing a satellite feed, two problems: 1. the top speed you can get is 1.5 mbs, and splitting it among multiple users dilutes the "broadband effect" rapidly. 2. sharing the satellite service flatly violates the contracts you sign with the satellite companies.... and they've been known to prosecute folks they discover to be sharing it. While I'm game to push the limits of legal gray areas when I encounter them, this one seemed a bit too cut and dry. Yet I did like the idea of "cantennas" - finally making good use of Pringles cans. Alas, "line of sight" was another practical problem. Here in Virginia, we have lots of big green trees! Those legendary cantenna distances are across badlands and open lakes. As for those wireless access points stations, I tested two "MIMO" class models, but it didn't seem to me that they were strong enough yet to get a signal past anyone's front yard. (and that includes the new $140 pre-N routers which are getting nasty reviews)
As for BPL, I too had read about the various technical and political issues, especially for HAM radio. Yet we were told by CVEC, again and again, how the trials were coming back positive, and that they were "excited" by the solutions coming on line. (if you will)
Oddly enough, I just read about a larger BPL trial being terminated last fall in Allentown Pennsylvania (a more urban area where PPL was up against cheaper, faster DSL alternatives). And yet in Manassas, Virginia (hardly rural, near D.C.), they apparently have had BPL up and working for almost a year... See, for example,:
http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/200510/msg00268.html
Posted by scott at July 10, 2006 03:05 AMGuys
T1 is obsolete.
Have a look at Gigabit Ethernet.
Posted by frank al irlandi at July 10, 2006 08:16 AM
Dear Helena ,
My following comments are on an article posted here in Aprill -19 2006 , with title "Palestenian & Jordan"
Pease note that I write ,but I donot publish . your site here is a discovery to me . I have noticed Justworld news .. just last week while I have been navigating . I I have posted my comments here because I couldot find a place-space to comment under the article
"Jordan First"
Tribalization- VS- Modernization
"Without prejudice"
People live, fight and die under and for slogans. Slogans are adopted by individuals, families', tribes and companies out of principals, ethics codes, maxim and commercial purposes, respectively. Other types of slogans are adopted by Political Parties and/or countries.
In such respects, slogans indicate the objectives of a given party or a state. Allegedly, slogans here should photocopy the public majority's stand of political beliefs and aspiration, concurrently in the national and international dimensions.
In this article, we will trace back and forward, Jordan's trip with slogans, the impact and outcomes of slogans on Jordan, throughout the period that extends from the inauguration of King Abdullah's II up to currently ( 1999- present )
National unity.
"Jordan first" launched in 2002, has been understood by (JEBD)- Jordanians of an East Bank Descent, representing hypothetically a 45 % of the population- in the way that they have finally located the right umbrella under where and of which they can protect then evolve with their political –national identity and interests in their very home land-Jordan , now politically known (1946 ) as The Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan and formerly was the Emirate of Trans Jordan.
They claimed that this identity and these interests have been infringed and cannibalized, on base DE-FACTO, by the second major component of the Jordanian population, The Jordanians –of a Palestinian Descent, (JPD) - those representing hypothetically and in parallel another 45 % of the population.
JEBD have developed this attitude out of a misreading, eventually a misconception of King Abdullah's first national slogan (If there is will, there is way)… (Ala qadr ahl Al-azaym).
JEBD believe and have been afraid , that this slogan has staged them armless in an open , unfair ,direct and a hardnosed competition with their( Guests) the (JPD) Jordanians –of Palestinian Descent ,those that have a competitive edge , a mix of a know how & financial muscles, that will enable them with certainty to win the competition .
These fears where developed and cumulated throughout a period 58 years of their political unity with the (JPD) Jordanians –of Palestinian Descent.
JEBD's Current generations have the general concept that, through out this period they where fully occupied in servicing the states (Civil Servants- Government) and protecting the( Royal Throne) (Soldiers -The Army- Intelligence & Security Forces ), but they have not harvested any personal recognition ,financial gains and benefits up to the Nobility/Sacrifice of any of these two involvements and engagements .They also ponder that their upcoming offspring will be in the same pool .
They also claim that (JPD) are not loyal neither to the state nor the throne, and that they always cons pirate with P.L.O against both, while despite such attitude and action, factually (JPD) are economically better off.
We believe this national & economical unrest ness among (JEBD) has forced and implied the tactical phasing – out of King Abdullah's II first slogan, (If there is will, there is way) and alternately the phasing - in of the second slogan "Jordan First"
JBD has formerly, overwhelmingly welcomed king's Hussein announcement of his initiative –The Disengagement (1988). Since then JBDs current spirit and attitudes as discussed have been in the early stage of off take and shy declaration.
The Disengagement Initiative has provided the ground, in (2002) Jordan First, the slogan has eventually re-engaged with the announcement of Disengagement, enhanced, accelerated the said off take and polarized the shy declaration into a semi open one .
The first were grateful and felt recognized, honored, privileged and compensated under the slogan (Jordan First). The majority of this category of Jordanians perceived that their homeland has concluded a third national independence (2002). Metaphorically, the second was upon King Hussein" Declaration of Disengagement"(1988) and the first was "The Declaration of Independence"(1946) from the British mandate.
"Jordan First" is a multi –impression slogan, in a one dimension it gives an impression that it is a continuation, a complementation that has a kind of engagement with a preceding / proceeding, a first chapter of the story, King Hussein's initiative disengagement.
Alternately in another dimension, the slogan implies a kind of disengagement from King Abdullah's II first slogan (If there is will, there is way)-(Ala qadr ahl Al-azm ...).
(JEBD), considered themselves under the slogan "Jordan First", the chosen, the most deserving, the most royal - loyal, the real stead fasters , the truest, the sole owners, sole custodians of country's heritage, and are exclusively the Jordanians.
Jordanians –of Palestinian Descent (JPD) have understood "Jordan First" in the way that they have been announced secluded, marginalized and their interests and share in the state's welfare and benefits are concurrently neglected and will be indefensibly cannibalized by Jordanians –of East Bank Descent, this time with a clear, straight forward and an unprecedented support of the State's Authority, and the Government.
(JPD) claim and have considered themselves: The developers of the country, the builders of the its economy, the less benefited of its welfare , the most self made people, the less demanding & most deserving of recognition, the less costing to its expenditure budgets ,the least dependants on the countries resources , the most urbanized and the promoters of the concept, Jordan the Modern state. They also insist that they are the investors in the country's well-being and the custodians of its future.
Under the slogan "Jordan First", Jordanians –of Palestinian Descent considered themselves as second been taken as a second class /grade with allegation and suspicion ,or ear marking of non loyal citizens to the country ,concomitantly to the throne , eventually the slogan "Jordan First" has enchantingly motivated and pushed them more to stick to their original identity –Palestinians –Palestinians , those that due to international/local , conspiracy been forcibly lodged in Jordan.
(JPD) felt that the balance they have set and scrutinized all along 50 plus years is trodden. That balance they have accomplished between their original-descent as Palestinians and the forcibly and circumstantially gained Jordanian citizenship.
They believe that as they are paying their taxes, live by the country's laws , respect these laws and prosper within the country by own talent and efforts, they are fully and deservingly entitled and to carry its citizen ship; and in accordance they carry it, hence they shouldn't be looked down at or considered
Second Grade citizens or/and to be treated as constrained ones.
(JPD) are strongly convinced that (JEBD) who suspect their national loyality to Jordan need to understand the real perception of Jordan -The Modern State. VS. The perception of Jordan - The Tribal Home land. (JPD) also don't hide in the instance their positive mind- set in Palestine as home country –dream land.
As for (JMA), the Jordanians- Minorities Assorted,) – mostly of those are of Non Arab descents –they hypothetically represent a 10 % of the population. Out of a traditional normality of practice, they have always welcomed the slogan "Jordan First" and prevailed content.
Country's Resources:
Country's resources have been, geared up, utilized then exhausted unexceptionally by Subsequent Governments to service and to pamper a privileged part of the population, concurrently state benefits been redirected to service the same objective.
In the parallel, the established class of marginalized groups- of all descents has enlarged- to encompass the overwhelming majority of the population. The marginalized majority has been inattentively left to its mussels and to its lots. These phenomena are prevailing unavoidably for the first time in the history of Jordan.
Neighbor- West. Palestinian Authority:
In one of my visits to Tunisia, and in a brother's in law house, I socially met with one of- P.L.O Executive Committee – members –Fath, namely ambassador Al-Hakem Bal-awi. The meeting occurred incidentally
on the next day to king's Hussein's announcement of initiative 1988 (East- West Banks Disengagement).
Out of national anxiety, I approached the man with the question: "what will happen to Jordanians- Palestinians of Refugee Descent ...now after this disengagement initiative? Without hesitation and with extreme pragmatism, He answered with what I quote here "This is a Jordanian internal affairs issue". I respected the man, for his straightforwardness.
After (6) years past this meeting, Al-Hakem's answer has been realized, actualized and contracted in the Israeli –Jordanian 1994 (Arabeh Accord ). I have not met with the man ever since, but since that day I have recognized that man's political pragmatism and Insight.
Neighbor- North. Syrian –Arab Republic:
The Syrians have never at any time welcomed the Jordanian slogans. They have utilized and employed (Jordan First) deliberately to achieve the objective in where they exposed and pinpointed that Jordan has strategically relinquished: THE Arab National- Cause. Unity, the Dream of the Arab peoples - Countries. The dream of the forefathers –Sheriff Al-Hussein Bin Ali of Mecca !.
They have disparaged the slogan at one of the recently held large Arab conferences in Damascus; the Syrian president has mocked the slogan with the approval, the cheer and the ovation of those Jordanian parties, who were participants in this conference.
Neighbor- East –Iraq.
The Iraqis have reproduced their own copy of "Jordan First" with a prefix change.
They launched it in their endeavors to conclude national unity under the slogan (IRAQ First).
Neighbor- South – Saudi Arabia
The Saudis have been wise as they always are. They don't interfere in the internal affairs of any neighbor. With exception to Bin Laden's slogans; the Saudis have no time to discuss or give attention to slogans from wherever and by who ever these are announced or adopted,
Old Brother- Egypt-South –west
Before king Abdullah's II inauguration, king of Jordan, President Sadat has created the Slogan (Egypt First), applied it pragmatically in Camp David Accord.
President Sadat has been the pioneers of the concept (First Thing first). He employed his slogan practically to engage the Egyptians in their national unity issues, concurrently to disengage Egypt from its ARAB Unity Cause and of any Past - Future Arab military coalition against Israel.
International Community –International Stage
All countries on the international stage have encouraged the young king's aspirations of reform and modernization.
It has been noticed that some local Jordanian advertising circles –agencies and magazines has criticized the tendering of the creative, art work of the Slogans Campaign to an International Public Relation Corporate!
Internally : Impact & Outcomes
National unity: the wedge is widening the fracture in the fragile and feeble body and constituents
of this unity.
An accelerating increase in number of the frustrated marginalized Jordanians from all origins and docents is remarkably noticeable.
A multiple discontent of political, economical and social issues has established it self
in the core the national prospect. , loss of direction is hovering on the national scene.
Country Resources: are exhausted and exploited by corruption & favoritism, the prevailing phenomena in the developing countries.
Democracy -Rights-Political Development-: political rights are squeezed and confiscated.
Democratic reforms are hindered. It seems that this Government as its predecessor and successors will never be in position to conclude the new Laws, that of Public Elections and the other one of National Parties. Those two Future- Indicators are ever elongated draft –laws.
Externally: Impact & Outcomes
Jordan is loosing its traditional alliance base across the globe, or at the optimistic perception, the alliance base is in the shrink.
At Arab Countries level:
Exclusively in the region, the only alliance ship is between Jordan - Fath –The Palestinian Authority.
This alliance is a failure back - to- back failure alliance. It is doomed to not make the grade
Israel:
Those who perfectly know its opportunisms, Israel may perform the last mercy bullet shooting. Israel will not hesitate to inter into conspiracy- with who ever- to revive the concept "One State in West & East Banks'," Jordan is the Palestinian State" or the" State of the Palestinians", what ever of these prospect will come first, Israel will apply here the practice (First in - First Served)
At international Level:
United States, United Kingdom, and France & NATO Countries: The insurgence of Iran as a Nuclear Power has perplexed all these countries .These have to forcibly change their traditional alliance and support to Jordan to a lower key, eventually they will be undependable.
The Strategic Sin !
Initially King Abdullah II has declared the Slogan: (IF There Is Will There Is WAY) – (Ala qader ahl Al-azm Tuta Al-Azayimu...)!
This Slogan reflects a modern perception of (Jordan -THE STATE). Eventually for tactical reasons and in a slip of time, this slogan has been replaced by (Jordan First).
The slogan (Jordan First), was exposed to wrong readings and short understandings by the influential elites and moreover to a direct unprecedented, extraordinary exploitation by the mislead commons.
Primarily both sides are internal constituent, whereas no any tangible direct harm was caused by any neighbor Arab countries. Discussion of the (external Factor) here is of no relation or significance.
We believe that the slogan (Jordan First) in this comparison reflects outspokenly the miss perception of The Hashemite kingdom of Jordan as: Jordan the Tribal Home land VS., and at the expense of Jordan the Modern State.
Consultants and Advisors:
Jordan is Floating simultaneously in the internal and external levels on a misleading accumulates of wrong advices from a bunch of In-Competent and Non state- seasoned consultants, They have ensnared the country to sin between the two options: The Tribalization of a State - VS- The Modernization of the State.
The (First Option) regrettably has been dramatically and irresponsibly pampered and catastrophically well entertained.
King of Jordan, Abdullah II, is young, and has the time to rebuild. We are sure of that King Abdullah II has the will and by now the Know- how , the 10 years experience in leader ship , hopefully he will re-service and re-phase in his original first slogan "If there is will there is way" –that perception of Jordan The Modern State
Rulers are in a Non – Stop search to obtain and maintain a pool of good consultants, those who should be State – Seasoned and State-Loyal.
Conclusion.
Ruling and reigning are two tasks that correspond to and homage each other; they are "Two Faces of one Coinage"
Rulers to reign need to set the golden balance, and to maintain it with pains and devotion at any time representing of and feasible to various: ethnic, social, religious constituent of the population.
An individual or group of these components of a given population can be declared or ear- marked loyal or disloyal upon and by his/her action.
Citizens' being comprehensively loyal to a country means they respect and comply with the laws of the country- "The Social bond" and the Institution.
The Dilemma , the Pool of Consultants and the Cabinet!
For a head of a State, these two tools will make or break the reign of power. Successful rulers / countries are those who find the solution for the dilemma of prevalence in power: Is loyalty before proficiency, or is it the other way round..? Does loyalty implies locality.. ?
Pool of Consultants , When rulers err in judgments and options between:
The selection of a pool of Loyalties-Consultants whose priorities, are enticed in the following order: the ruler's recognition, royalties and the achievement of a short sighted personal interest.
A pool of kind has often proved to have achieved to a country a gasping Survival of
no future.
-VS
The selection of a pool of Efficient -Consultants whose priorities are enticed in the following
Order: their country's recognition, the ruler's respect, and then royalties as complimentary.
A pool of kind has often proved to have achieved to a country a prosperous survival and a
Promising future
The Cabinet -When rulers err in judgments and options between:
The formation of a cabinet of ministers that includes experienced, efficient and specialized technocrats, who will conclude a successful performance of the tasks.
-VS-
The formation of a cabinet of ministers that includes Semi - experienced, Semi efficient and un – specialized persons those indicators of regional representation /decent, who will conclude a mediocre performance of the tasks.
While the first option has often brought progress and development, the second one has remarkably proved to have inflicted on a country at a halt position if not regression.
Loyalties never coincide with localities or/ and good organization.
Nabeel Yaseen
Dubai -10-June -2006
Nabeel, these are interesting observations but are Off Topic for this post (as you noted) and also ways too long for the guidelines here. In the future, if you have things you want to contribute to the nComments board, try to keep them within the guidelines and on topic.
If you do have things that are longer, you can either (a) post them on a website elsewhere and post a short comment here that gives the URL, or (b) contact me to see if they might fit into a post of their own that I would put up, with full attribution to you.
Posted by Helena at July 11, 2006 08:26 AMDear Helena ,
Thank you for your promptness , and thank you for putting me on the track .
Posted by Nabeel Yaseen at July 11, 2006 10:14 AM