Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Shared Technology

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Nov 28, 2005, at 2:44 PM, fabers wrote:

> Does anyone have examples of sharing technology as a community i.e. 
> Internet Access, Cable or Satellite TV, some form of shared telephone 
> plan?  What have people found to be easy or difficult to share?  What 
> are the advantages or disadvantages that you have found?

Check the archives. There is a lot on high tech wiring.

We have a shared DSL line. We wired with routers so all each of us has 
to do is plug in (and program in our location). Each unit has 4-5 
outlets that include jacks for the ethernet cable, TV cable, and 
telephone.

We tried to get a group cable but the company here wouldn't do it. 
Satellite will but many of us do not want satellite boxes. There is 
also wide variation in what people want. Some want none and others want 
the full package. I recently got a tip to call the business division of 
the cable company -- the residential people may have been wrong when 
they said "we" don't do that -- speaking for residential only. As cable 
gets more and more necessary for good reception and the best 
programming is on cable, it is becoming a standard utility. It would be 
much cheaper if we could do it -- closer to $5 a month per connection.

Probably the best thing we have is an office in the commonhouse with a 
telephone, fax, computer, and printer. The printer is hooked up to the 
intranet so everyone can print to it. The computer is as well but most 
people go to the office to use it. Guests often use it. Far fewer 
people have faxes because there is one in the office. The telephone has 
been a godsend when people are in transition and don't have a phone yet 
(or anymore). People who live upstairs also use it rather than going 
home when they are at meals, working in the commonhouse, or hanging out 
in the piazza.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org