Cohousing-L Mailing List: Latest on Community-wide data systems

[Joel Plotkin (joel]

Dear folks:

I've checked the archives on community data systems (cable TV and Internet 
access) and found the 1997 technical data very helpful, as well as the 2002 
information. Are there any list members who have more recent information in 
this fast-moving field? 

Hundredfold Farm in Cashtown PA is a rural cohousing project with 14 planned 
homes. We'd like to find a way to get our data and TV without being reliant on 
the big communication companies. Does anyone have experience with community-
owned satellite access? We have heard one opinion that direct satellite links 
are undesirable for Internet access because they do not come with adequate 
firewalls (but this is from someone who subcontracts with the Pentagon). What 
about the big dishes that were popular fifteen years ago for TV? They required 
decoders, but not monthly maintenance fees. We hope to WiFi our system, since 
we're all located close together.

Reply on or off list.
Joel Plotkin