Braodband Anyone?
The telephone exchanges at both ends of our community are outposts from the larger population areas of Rothesay and dunoon. Colintaive has an ‘activated exchange’ which can only service a very limited number of subscriptions. Glendaruel has an ‘ADSL Max exchange’ which, although supporting more subscriptions, means that those living more than a few miles away are unlikely to obtain a reasonable internet link on the standard telephone line, yet alone broadband itself.
The Broadband Cluster Forum (BCF) was set up by the Scottish Executive to address exactly this type of situation in rural communities. A combination of technology and grant aid could furnish us all with a cheaper and higher level of connectivity.
What is required is a seperate phone line from the exchange to a central point within each area. From there a broadband signal can be transmitted to a point from whence it can be bounced on to the whole community. In Glendaruel there is the power connected TV mast above Clacheranmor. I am told a similar facility exists at Colintraive. Even those lucky few already connected would benefit from better economy and bandwidth.
We would require 20 - 30 potential subscribers in order to take advantage of available funding opportunities. If we fail to achieve this level we can still benefit from the BCF’s expertise and technical advice and seek funding elsewhere.
We need to first establish potential demand in order to check out technical feasibility, legal and structural implications and service level agreements with a broadband provider.
To further this initiative the BCF require evidence of community commitment and of social benefit. To this end we would be grateful if you would contact us here.
Michael Kaufmann
