PUC APPROVES TELECOM PROVIDERS TO OFFER ALTERNATIVE SERVICES TO WILDFIRE SURVIVORS
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PUC APPROVES TELECOM PROVIDERS TO OFFER ALTERNATIVE SERVICES TO WILDFIRE SURVIVORS

ByTom Atkinson

PUC APPROVES TELECOM PROVIDERS TO OFFER ALTERNATIVE SERVICES TO WILDFIRE-IMPACTED CUSTOMERS AS RESTORATION EFFORTS CONTINUE  SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved an agreement, resulting in access to alternative service options to certain telecommunications customers impacted by the recent wildfires while their landline telephone service is being restored. The agreement was reached by PUC…

Communication Towers Update
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Communication Towers Update

ByTom Atkinson

Residents along the McKenzie Corridor will notice some changes to emergency communications equipment. AT&T will be removing its SatCOLT (Satellite Cell Site on Light Truck) from the Vida area because the AT&T network supporting that area has been restored. AT&T is also working to upgrade its permanent tower to LTE service, which will further improve voice and data…

Cooperator’s Update Monday 19th October
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Cooperator’s Update Monday 19th October

ByTom Atkinson

Nancy Schwan-Howard – Clinic Manager Orchid Health McKenzie River Clinic Nancy reported that the clinic is still working out of the quilt shop, but they are unsure at the moment whether that arrangement will be extended or if it might move to the Basketball Academy location (USBA). Once negotiations are concluded (hopefully within the next…

Communications in McKenzie River Valley Restored – KEZI 9 News
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Communications in McKenzie River Valley Restored – KEZI 9 News

ByTom Atkinson

After we posted about the incredible efforts over the last month by the volunteer Oregon Internet Response (OIR) team to restore communication to the Holiday Farm Fire area KEZI 9 News came out to Rainbow this weekend to interview Matt Sayre from OIR and help spread the word that while we might not be streaming…

Volunteers Help to Hack Comms Solutions for the McKenzie Valley
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Volunteers Help to Hack Comms Solutions for the McKenzie Valley

ByTom Atkinson

Oregon Internet Response (OIR) has been busy over the past weeks developing and operating the Upper McKenzie Emergency Wireless Internet Network (UM-EWIN). While details seem faint, estimates are that it will take around 3 Months providers such as Centurylink and Spectrum to restore normal services to the area. So the OIR’s goal is to step…

Communications Update – Getting Connected Upriver
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Communications Update – Getting Connected Upriver

ByTom Atkinson

Lack of access to phone and Internet services has been a major problem for people working on fire relief efforts, and a huge issue for residents looking to return to their homes. As the McKenzie Highway opens up again as of noon today, there is another major bit of positive news: Blue Sky Market is…