The following are some components for consideration
relating to the regions technology plan. This information is provided by Sam Martin
of IQ Consulting (MegaIQ Website Architects). As a computer consultant to a variety
of entities in the region during the past 5 years, Mr. Martin has insight to many needs,
regional in their scope, requiring a regional plan for successful implementation.
INITIAL COMPONENTS OF A REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY PLAN
As Chairman of the Technology Committee of the
Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Martin was instrumental in facilitating the
installation of broadband connectivity in the Hill Country. With this access to
broadband wireless data communications capabilities, aspects of the long range plans of
many entities in the region, are now within our grasp.
CITY OF MARBLE FALLS
We just completed the conversion of all departments
within the municipal government to a wireless, secure, broadband connection. In the
next phase we will create a private network and establish data pooling for various
redundant administrative tasks.
LAKE AREA CRIME COMMISSION
Over three years ago, with the financial assistance
of a federal grant, a group of 12 police departments within our region began to build a
wide area computer network to enable them to share crime and incident information, check
for warrants in other jurisdictions and improve communications. The master database
would store pictures, finger prints as well as data.
Until now, many of the outlying agencies had to
rely on a slow,dial-up modem connection to access this database. Broadband
connectivity, particularly a single source provider for connectivity within the entire
region, enables us to provide a much more secure method of communications between these
various agencies.
Within the long range plan of this organization
there is a goal of equipping every police patrol unit with onboard computers using a
wireless, mobile connection to the master database. This would provide two-way
broadband communications of text, graphics, audio and video.
To achieve a reliable mobile connection, the areas
within the region must be saturated with a secure wireless network, capable of providing a
closed loop, totally private network, within their broadband network for any specific
purpose.
EMS SERVICES
With the availability of this saturated, secure,
wireless, mobile data communications capability, we now have the opportunity to equip all
of the regions emergency response vehicles with computers that communicate directly with
the doctors in the emergency rooms at the hospitals in the region.
33RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURTS
In an effort to make the District Judge more
efficient. Judge Jones has proposed linking the court houses in Llano, Blanco, San
Saba and Burnet through a private wireless network. This will enable the Judge to
conduct arraignments via video conference from his office in Burnet and save hundreds of
hours of commuting annually. This will also improve communications between all of
the other departments of those county governments.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Various defined outreach programs will also take
advantage of this availability of broadband connectivity.
The Boys & Girls Club will be receiving free
internet access so the members there can enjoy on-line broadcast events and high speed
access to the internet.
The Marble Falls School District is receiving the
equivalent of (3) T1 connections. Through a private fiber optic link, this
connectivity is shared with all of the schools in the District. With the expansion
of this wireless broadband network, the District will be able to significantly expand
their Community Education capabilities.
Canyon of the Eagles, on Lake Buchanan, is an LCRA
owned facility which includes a number of attraction. In particular, Raven Star is a
project to bring a planetarium to Canyon of the Eagles. Broadband connectivity at
Canyon of the Eagles will enable this planetarium to communicate with other planetariums,
NASA and other scientific organizations. Systems at the Raven Star facility may be
used to support the SETTI project.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Within the world of wireless connectivity, service
providers are using radio equipment which operates at either 2.4 or 5.4 ghz.
Those are publicly available frequencies.
Unfortunately, some of the radios being installed
with wireless internet service do not provide much security. Two different service
providers, offering service within the same area, can interfere with the other service
providers' signal. There is a serious need to provide a forum for resolving
conflicts related to the use of the air waves in the region.
Other frequencies, licensed by the FCC, can provide
a solid, secure, network for use where security of the data is a principal concern, such
as the projects mentioned above.
WHAT WE MUST DO . . .
1. The municipalities, and/or county governments in
the region must secure the license for the 8.4 ghz frequency. The 8.4 ghz frequency
is a licensed frequency which can be used for secure communications.
2. Facilitate the placement of propagation
locations within the region to achieve saturation for mobile communications and total
access availability. Install an 8.4 ghz wireless network throughout the region. Move
the secure service requirements to the 8.4 ghz broadband.
3. Continue to support the expansion of the public
wireless broadband connectivity within the region.
4. Continue to support the expansion of the wired
fiber optic broadband connectivity within the region.
5. Work with the connectivity providers in the area
to insure cooperation within the air waves.
Questions or comments, E-Mail Sam Martin
